Cancer



American Cancer Society

800-227-2345

Offers caregiver and family resources, including a Caregiver Resource Guide available in interactive or downloadable form, videos, and other educational and support materials.

National Cancer Institute



800-4-CANCER

Information and research for caregivers serving cancer patients, including downloadable booklets on caregiver resources and self-care.

Cancer Support Community



888-793-9355

Connects cancer patients and their caregivers through a global network of support organizations and the online community MyLifeLine.

Hospice and palliative care



Get Palliative Care

A directory from the nonprofit Center to Advance Palliative Care that lets you search for providers of palliative care in your area.

Hospice Compare



Search tool to find hospice providers in your area who participate in Medicare and to how they rank against national averages in areas such as family experience and quality of care.

Hospice Foundation of America



800-854-3402

Professional organization for hospice providers that offers practical tips and advice on family caregiving and hospice.

In-home care



National Association of Home Builders

800-368-5242

The industry group offers a certified aging-in-place specialist (CAPS) designation for builders who specialize in designs and modifications to help older adults continue to live at home. Consult their directory for a specialist near you.

Home Health Compare



Search tool that lets you find and compare Medicare-certified home health agencies in your area, with information on services provided and patient ratings.

Legal and financial help



Medicaid

877-267-2323

Medicaid provides health coverage for people with limited income and assets, and unlike Medicare it can help pay for long-term care such as in a nursing home. Medicaid coverage differs from state to state. Contact your state agency with questions.

Medicare



800-MEDICARE

The federal health program for people age 65 and older or disabled covers home health and skilled nursing services in some circumstances, and its website has tools to help you find care facilities and providers that accept Medicare.

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys



Nonprofit association of lawyers and organizations that provide legal services for older adults and people with special needs. You can use its site to find lawyers in your area who specialize in long-term care, power of attorney and other aging and caregiving issues.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program



SHIPs, as they’re called, offer local insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare recipients and their families and caregivers.

Long-term care



LongTermCare.gov

Online clearinghouse for information and tools to plan for your or your loved one’s long-term care needs, maintained by the federal Administration for Community Living.

National Center for Assisted Living



202-842-4444

An arm of the American Health Care Association, NCAL offers consumer resources on finding assisted living facilities and related programs in your state and information on payment options.

Nursing Home Compare



Searchable database with information on every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.

VA: Geriatrics and Extended Care



Department of Veterans Affairs guide to long-term services and supports for older military veterans, including VA nursing homes, other senior residences and help with home-based care.

Military caregivers



Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

855-260-3274

The federal agency responsible for providing health care services and other vital benefits to eligible U.S. military veterans has a Caregiver Support Program that offers peer support, mentoring, caregiver training programs and a helpline.

Elizabeth Dole Foundation

202-249-7170

Works to strengthen services for Americans caring for wounded, ill or injured family members who served in the military. Its programs include Hidden Heroes, an online support community for military caregivers.

Military and Veteran Caregiver Network



American Red Cross-affiliated network of online and community-based support groups and mentoring programs for caregivers of service members and veterans.

Military One Source



800-342-9647

A Department of Defense-financed program that provides resources and support to active-duty, National Guard and Reserve service members and their families, including counseling and consulting services for caregivers.

Respite care



ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center

Find programs and services that allow caregivers to get a break from caring for a loved one. The National Respite Locator is a state-by-state list of services and assistance.

National Adult Day Services Association



Professional organization for providers of adult day care with consumer resources including an adult day care locator and advice on evaluating and choosing a local center for your loved one.

Senior Corps



800-942-2677

The national service network’s Senior Companions program matches older volunteers with seniors who have trouble with daily tasks, helping them live independently and providing respite for family caregivers.

Editor's note: This resource, originally created in 2017, has been expanded and updated with more recent information.