Caring For Others
This page was updated 12.29.2020.
Caring For Others
This page contains a variety of resources to help both you and your loved one achieve wellness. If you have suggestions for additional resources, please contact us. We would love to hear from you!
NOTE: Click on blue text to access internal links, websites, or PDF files.
NOTE: Click on blue text to access internal links, websites, or PDF files.
General Information
AARP Caregiver Resource Center - Find information on benefits and insurance, legal, and financial information, housing, end-of-life care, a caregiver hotline... and more.
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) - CAN supports the caregivers of loved ones of all ages who are living with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or other frailties.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Multiple resources for caregivers and about caregiving.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) - The FCA has been addressing the needs of families and friends who care loved ones at home since the 1970s. Website offers education, policy and advocacy information, and connects caregivers to online support groups, research registries, and innovative technology products.
Family Caregivers: Disability and Health - The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers tips and resources.
Guide for Family Caregivers - Disability.gov provides links to a wide range of information such as Medicare, local resources, managing medications, and legal issues.
How to Communicate Caregiving Issues - Tips on discussing your concerns with your loved one from Oregon.gov.
Medicare Caregiver Resources - Site includes files and links related to Medicare and websites links to helpful federal offices.
National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) - The NAC supports family caregivers through research such as the "Caregiving in the U.S. 2015" report, advocacy, and resources for both family caregivers and professionals.
National Caregivers Library - Library of resources, checklists, and forms created in response to the family caregiving experiences of Ron Moore, the founder of CarMax.
Next Step in Care (for Family Caregivers) - The United Hospital Fund offers multilingual resources to help family caregivers work with healthcare professionals during times of healthcare transitions from one location and/or level of care to another.
U.S. National Library of Medicine - Multiple resources for and about family caregivers.
VA Caregiver Support - Focused on caregivers of veterans, the site offers practical tools, like a Caregiver Toolbox, for all caregivers. NOTE: Scroll down menu on left side of page to access resources.
Video Caregiving - Terra Nova films offers a series of short videos on topics of interest to family caregivers.
AARP Caregiver Resource Center - Find information on benefits and insurance, legal, and financial information, housing, end-of-life care, a caregiver hotline... and more.
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) - CAN supports the caregivers of loved ones of all ages who are living with chronic conditions, disabilities, disease, or other frailties.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Multiple resources for caregivers and about caregiving.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) - The FCA has been addressing the needs of families and friends who care loved ones at home since the 1970s. Website offers education, policy and advocacy information, and connects caregivers to online support groups, research registries, and innovative technology products.
Family Caregivers: Disability and Health - The Center for Disease Control (CDC) offers tips and resources.
Guide for Family Caregivers - Disability.gov provides links to a wide range of information such as Medicare, local resources, managing medications, and legal issues.
How to Communicate Caregiving Issues - Tips on discussing your concerns with your loved one from Oregon.gov.
Medicare Caregiver Resources - Site includes files and links related to Medicare and websites links to helpful federal offices.
National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) - The NAC supports family caregivers through research such as the "Caregiving in the U.S. 2015" report, advocacy, and resources for both family caregivers and professionals.
National Caregivers Library - Library of resources, checklists, and forms created in response to the family caregiving experiences of Ron Moore, the founder of CarMax.
Next Step in Care (for Family Caregivers) - The United Hospital Fund offers multilingual resources to help family caregivers work with healthcare professionals during times of healthcare transitions from one location and/or level of care to another.
U.S. National Library of Medicine - Multiple resources for and about family caregivers.
VA Caregiver Support - Focused on caregivers of veterans, the site offers practical tools, like a Caregiver Toolbox, for all caregivers. NOTE: Scroll down menu on left side of page to access resources.
Video Caregiving - Terra Nova films offers a series of short videos on topics of interest to family caregivers.
Online Support Groups
AARP Online Community Discussion Group - AARP discussion group focused on family caregiving.
AlzConnected: Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this online support group for people with Alzheimer’ disease or other dementia and their caregivers, family members, friends, and individuals who have lost a loved one to a dementia disorder.
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) - CAN offers an online forum for family caregivers of loved ones of all ages.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) - Celebrating 30-plus years, the FCA hosts online support groups for caregivers of adults as well as specialized groups for LGBT caregivers and for caregivers of California residents.
GriefNet - GriefNet is an online community offering multiple support groups focused on grief and loss. The site is monitored by volunteers and supervised by a clinical psychologist. Make sure that you read, understand, and agree with the “Group Guidelines” (first item under Resources) before joining any of the groups.
AARP Online Community Discussion Group - AARP discussion group focused on family caregiving.
AlzConnected: Sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association, this online support group for people with Alzheimer’ disease or other dementia and their caregivers, family members, friends, and individuals who have lost a loved one to a dementia disorder.
Caregiver Action Network (CAN) - CAN offers an online forum for family caregivers of loved ones of all ages.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) - Celebrating 30-plus years, the FCA hosts online support groups for caregivers of adults as well as specialized groups for LGBT caregivers and for caregivers of California residents.
GriefNet - GriefNet is an online community offering multiple support groups focused on grief and loss. The site is monitored by volunteers and supervised by a clinical psychologist. Make sure that you read, understand, and agree with the “Group Guidelines” (first item under Resources) before joining any of the groups.
Resource Locators
Aging Life Care Association - Locate certified Care Management specialists serving your loved one’s location and learn more about the ways that they help you manage the care of a loved one.
Eldercare Locator - Connect to services for older adults and their families; a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging - Locate the Area Agency on Aging that serves the location of a loved one and learn more from a multitude of services and resources designed to help older adults and their caregivers.
Aging Life Care Association - Locate certified Care Management specialists serving your loved one’s location and learn more about the ways that they help you manage the care of a loved one.
Eldercare Locator - Connect to services for older adults and their families; a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging.
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging - Locate the Area Agency on Aging that serves the location of a loved one and learn more from a multitude of services and resources designed to help older adults and their caregivers.
Materials
Caregiver Support Kit, FREE from the National Caregiving Association. NOTE: The book can be helpful, but if you consider donating to this organization, read the Charity Navigator evaluation first.
Caregiver Support Kit, FREE from the National Caregiving Association. NOTE: The book can be helpful, but if you consider donating to this organization, read the Charity Navigator evaluation first.
Online Caregiver Companies - Sittercity and Care.com are online services that directly connect families with local “sitters” or caregivers for family members of all ages.
Sittercity - The VA refers veteran caregivers to Sittercity.
Care.com - MIT and Northwestern refer their employees to Care.com
Sittercity - The VA refers veteran caregivers to Sittercity.
Care.com - MIT and Northwestern refer their employees to Care.com
Evaluating Support Options - If you’re looking for professional support, these national organizations provide tools to help you evaluate a variety of support options. NOTE: Though these sites often include “location finders,” you may find other reputable agencies/organizations that do not belong to that particular organization.
Home HEALTH Care vs. Home Care. It’s also important to understand the difference between home health care (reimbursable by Medicare and/or other insurance) and other home care such as homemaking and companion home care services. Homemaking and companion care are NOT reimbursable by Medicare or insurance though they may be covered by Medicaid.
Home (HEALTH) Care and Hospice.
Home Care.
Out-of-Home Support.
Nursing Homes.
Home HEALTH Care vs. Home Care. It’s also important to understand the difference between home health care (reimbursable by Medicare and/or other insurance) and other home care such as homemaking and companion home care services. Homemaking and companion care are NOT reimbursable by Medicare or insurance though they may be covered by Medicaid.
Home (HEALTH) Care and Hospice.
- The National Association for Home Care & Hospice provides guidelines and resources to help you find a quality provider and to better understand billing and payment procedures.
- Home Health Agency Checklist - Downloadable and printable checklist provided by Medicare.
Home Care.
- Home Care Checklist - Provides guidelines and a downloadable checklist for agency interviews.
- Choosing an Agency for Home Care - Printable checklist from AARP.
Out-of-Home Support.
- Adult Day Programs - To learn more about adult day programs, visit the NADSA (National Adult Day Services Association) website for general information, and site visit checklist.
- Assisted/Supportive Living - ALFA (The Assisted Living Federation of America) provides guidelines to help you select an assisted living or supportive living facility.
Nursing Homes.
- Nursing Home Compare - Medicare site provides the most extensive reviews of nursing facilities combined with geographic search tools.
- Your Way: How to Find Dignity and Choice in a Nursing Home - A downloadable consumer guide from the Illinois Pioneer Coalition and the Retirement Research Foundation.
Concern-Specific Caregiver Support (in alphabetical order)
AIDS/HIV
Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias. NOTE: Because caring for a loved one with dementia can be one of the biggest caregiving challenges, a separate resource page will be added soon.
Cancer
COPD
Mental Illness
Parkinson’s
AIDS/HIV
- Net of Care - Website from Beth Israel Hospital provides information and resources for caregivers of loved ones with AIDS. NOTE: English/Chinese.
- Caregiving for Older Adults with AIDS - Medscape articles discusses the stigma and stress, cognitive issues, and available supports for older adults with AIDS and their caregivers.
Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias. NOTE: Because caring for a loved one with dementia can be one of the biggest caregiving challenges, a separate resource page will be added soon.
- Alzheimer’s Association - Information on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and caregiver support.
- Alzheimer's Disease Education and Referral Center (ADEAR) - Information on Alzheimer's disease and related disorders from the National Institute on Aging; site includes information, news, publications, and connections to national research centers.
- Alzheimer’s Foundation - Information on Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders and caregiver support.
- Caring for a Person with Alzheimer’s Disease - Downloadable book from the National Institute on Aging provides guide for caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias.
- Lewy Body Dementia Association - Support and information on Lewy Body Dementia.
- Mayo Clinic - The basics of dementia including definition, related disorders, treatment, etc.
- Stroke.org - Information and support for family caregivers on illnesses such as stroke and vascular dementia.
- The Association for Frontotemporal Disorders - Information and support for family caregivers of a loved one with Frontotemporal Dementia.
- The Dementias: Hope through Research - Downloadable book from the National Institute of Aging discusses multiple forms of dementia.
Cancer
- American Cancer Society - Learn more about what to expect when you’re caring for a loved one with cancer and tips for taking care of yourself.
- National Cancer Institute - Website includes Resources and Support for caregivers. Downloadable booklet focuses on strategies to help caregivers care for themselves while caring for a loved one with cancer.
- Cancer Support Community - Whether you have been diagnosed with cancer or are caring for a loved one with disease, website offers extensive information and support including links to local and online support groups.
- Cancer Care - Website provides counseling, support groups, education, and financial assistance for cancer patients and their caregivers.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network - Patient and caregiver resources from an alliance of the 26 of the world’s leading cancer centers.
COPD
- COPD Caregivers’ Community - Chatroom and forums for caregivers of patients with COPD.
- COPD Foundation - FAQ for Caregivers.
- Caring for Someone with COPD. Strategies for helping someone with COPD: The keys to success: how to help, get support, and maintain a healthy balance in your own life.
- Healthline - COPD caregiver’s guide.
Mental Illness
- NAMI: Family Members and Caregivers - The National Alliance for Mental Illness offers strategies and support for family caregivers of loved ones with mental illness.
- Family Members of Adults with Serious Mental Illness - Family resources from the American Psychological Association.
- For Friends and Family Members - MentalHealth.gov provides support and conversation strategies.
Parkinson’s
- Parkinson’s Foundation - Help for caregivers who are navigating the emotional, financial, and physical challenges that may be experienced when caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s disease.
- Family Caregiver Alliance - Information on Parkinson’s disease, treatments, related diseases, and caregiving.
- The Michael J. Fox Foundation - Advice for caregivers and loved ones as well as extensive information on the disease.
Other
Therapeutic Home Adaptations for Older Adults with Disabilities. Written for the family physician, article discusses significant factors, priorities, and strategies for a variety of situations including vision, hearing, mobility, and dementia challenges (American Academy of Family Physicians).
Home Safety for People with Disabilities. Site includes detailed suggestions and supporting photos for bathrooms, kitchens, and stairs/ramps (Amputee Coalition of America).
4 Financial Issues that You Need to Discuss with Aging Parents. Learn more about obstacles that may prevent parents from including adult children in financial decisions (Forbes Magazine).
Talking with Aging Parents about Finances. Fact sheet provides strategies to help overcome barriers that often make conversations with aging family members about money difficult (University of Montana Extension).
Financial Protection for Older Americans. Smart tips for financial caregivers from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the FDIC. Includes downloadable Managing Someone Else’s Money guides.
Therapeutic Home Adaptations for Older Adults with Disabilities. Written for the family physician, article discusses significant factors, priorities, and strategies for a variety of situations including vision, hearing, mobility, and dementia challenges (American Academy of Family Physicians).
Home Safety for People with Disabilities. Site includes detailed suggestions and supporting photos for bathrooms, kitchens, and stairs/ramps (Amputee Coalition of America).
4 Financial Issues that You Need to Discuss with Aging Parents. Learn more about obstacles that may prevent parents from including adult children in financial decisions (Forbes Magazine).
Talking with Aging Parents about Finances. Fact sheet provides strategies to help overcome barriers that often make conversations with aging family members about money difficult (University of Montana Extension).
Financial Protection for Older Americans. Smart tips for financial caregivers from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the FDIC. Includes downloadable Managing Someone Else’s Money guides.