Caregiver Support Resources
Caregiver Support Resources
Caregiver Support Hotlines
Caregiver support hotlines are a great way to get the most important information for your specific needs. Whether you are looking for a support group or need immediate assistance, someone on the hotline can help connect you with exactly the right resource. Hotlines are available for many different situations, including simply having someone listen if that is what you need most.
Please remember that many of the people answering these phone lines are volunteers or social workers. Because of that, they may sometimes answer from a personal phone, even though you are calling a dedicated hotline number.
Alzheimer’s Association
Free 24/7 Alzheimer’s & Dementia Helpline
The Alzheimer’s Association offers a free and confidential support line at 800-272-3900. Phone support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Live chat is typically available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT, and support is offered in more than 200 languages.
This helpline can assist with caregiving questions, diagnosis support, care planning, safety concerns, housing needs, stress, and local resources. One of the highlights of this service is its ability to provide guidance on housing-related needs, which is becoming an increasingly important area of support. The organization also notes that it does not provide medical advice.
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
AFA Helpline
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America offers support 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. EST. Social workers specifically trained in dementia care are available to help.
Phone: 866-232-8484
Text: 646-586-5283
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
VA Caregiver Support Line (CSL)
The VA Caregiver Support Line is available at 1-855-260-3274. This toll-free number is operated by the VA Caregiver Support Program’s dedicated CSL team.
Hours of operation are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.
Visit the VA Caregiver Support Page
Lewy Body Dementia Association
Lewy Line
The Lewy Line provides support specifically for information related to Lewy body dementia. Call 800-539-9767 to request a callback.
Calls are returned within 3 business days.
National & State Caregiver Resources
Whether you are a family caregiver, or a center looking for funding, there are many national and state specific resources available to you.
Various government funded programs exist and are full of a wide array of services and resources, many which encompass the services already listed on this page.
- Caregiver Action Network –
A national resource offering programs such as Fireside Chats and caregiver support group Zoom meetings on a seasonal schedule, with several meetings available each week. - NIA Caregiver’s Handbook –
A free pamphlet intended for family caregivers, with a focus on caring for older individuals who have serious health conditions or disabilities. - The VA Caregiver Support Program has compiled a list of helpful handouts:
https://www.caregiver.va.gov/CAREGIVER/support-line/handouts.asp - AARP Caregiving –
This website provides family caregivers with practical help on personal care, medical management, financial guidance, work-life balance, respite care, planning ahead, and finding local resources. It also offers caregiver well-being support, educational content, community connections, events, advocacy opportunities, and state-based programs that help caregivers find both information and support. - National Alliance for Caregiving Resources –
This website provides caregivers with practical support resources such as hotlines, financial guidance, care-planning tools, educational materials, and directories for finding local, state, and national programs. It also offers condition-specific help for dementia, cancer, disabilities, rare diseases, and veteran care, along with support groups, peer forums, and training resources. - National Family Caregiver Support Program –
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides grants to states and territories to fund various supports that help family and informal caregivers care for older adults in their homes for as long as possible.
Caregiver Stories
Online Training
- Wisconsin DHS Dementia Care Training – This online training is designed for people who support caregivers, helping them better care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Because dementia includes several different conditions, the training helps participants recognize the specific type of dementia involved, prepare to respond appropriately, and better understand the underlying factors associated with each diagnosis.
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Caregiverlist Senior Caregiver Training – This $59 online course has information pertaining to veterans, for caregivers working for Medicaid home care agencies, and modules specific to Alzheimer’s disease as well. For an extra $20, you can get a T-shirt and pin mailed to your house.
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CareAcademy – This caregiver online training helps home care, home health, hospice, and senior living teams build skills, stay compliant, and complete onboarding more efficiently through mobile-friendly courses and automated training tools. It also supports audit-ready reporting, state-based course assignment, and progress tracking, helping organizations improve caregiver confidence, retention, and quality of care.
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U.S. Career Institute – This online caregiver training is a self-paced, fully online program designed to prepare students for entry-level caregiver roles in as little as 2 months, with flexible learning on a phone or computer. It covers core topics like personal care, communication, infection prevention, vital signs, documentation, and medication basics, while also offering instructor support and career coaching.
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American Caregiver Association – If you are looking to get certified as a family caregiver, for insurance purposes, or if you are looking to start your own caregiver business, then you might want to check out the certification bundles offered by the American Caregiver Association. You can complete the courses within two days if you want, or take as long as you need.