Caregiving can feel like living in a pressure cooker—everything urgent, everyone needing something, and you stuck in the middle with a to-do list that keeps growing.
You Google for help. You call your parent’s doctor. You ask in Facebook groups. And still, you think, there has to be more support than this.
Good news? There is.
The problem is, most resources don’t advertise. They don’t pop up in your feed. They’re buried in hospital brochures or locked behind government jargon. But they exist—and they can make your life so much easier.
Here are 8 caregiver resources most people don’t know about (plus how to access them fast).
1. Eldercare Locator This free service from the U.S. Administration on Aging connects you to local support services—like transportation, home care, housing, legal help, and more. All you do is enter your zip code.
It’s like a GPS for caregiver resources. I found our area’s low-cost meal delivery and transportation program through them—things I didn’t even know existed.
2. Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Every U.S. county has one. And they’re gold mines. These agencies often provide case managers, respite care, home safety checks, and training for caregivers—all often at reduced cost or free.
Find your local AAA. Google Search: Area Agency on Aging Near Me
Pro tip: Call, don’t email. You’ll get faster answers from someone who knows the local landscape.
3. National Institute on Aging’s Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Resource Center If your parent is experiencing memory loss or has dementia, this is your central hub for research-based strategies, communication guides, and caregiver stress support.
They even have PDF tip sheets to print and share with siblings or paid caregivers so everyone’s on the same page.
4. Family Caregiver Alliance’s CareNav™ Platform This online tool helps you track care needs, upload medication lists, and get connected to a trained care navigator for your situation. They understand family dynamics and give nonjudgmental, actionable advice.
This is especially helpful when you feel like you’re the only one managing everything.
5. SHIP: State Health Insurance Assistance Program If Medicare is making your head spin, SHIP is your translator. This free program connects you with someone who can walk you through what’s covered, what’s not, how to switch plans, and even how to appeal.
They helped me realize we were overpaying on a prescription plan and switched it—saving hundreds.
6. BenefitsCheckUp® by NCOA Many caregivers don’t know their parents are eligible for discounts, financial assistance, or food benefits. This site lets you enter your parent’s info (state, income, age) and see what programs they qualify for.
It’s especially helpful for low-income seniors—or if you’re paying out of pocket for everything and drowning.
7. Veteran’s Aid & Attendance Benefit If your parent served in the military, they may qualify for extra funds to pay for home care or assisted living. Many families never apply because they don’t know it exists.
You’ll need service documents, but once approved, it can make a huge dent in caregiving costs.
8. Local Faith-Based or Nonprofit Programs Many churches, synagogues, and community groups offer transportation, volunteer visiting, home repair, or meal services. These programs are rarely listed in mainstream directories but can be lifesavers.
Try searching: “faith-based senior services near me” or ask your local AAA
I once found a church group that offered free Saturday respite care—two hours of relief I used to get coffee and cry in peace.
Why You’ve Never Heard of These
They’re not marketed like tech gadgets. They don’t have flashy websites or celebrity sponsors. Many are funded by grants and focus on underserved populations. Some were designed years ago and never updated.
But they still work.
The support is there. It’s just not always loud.
What These Resources Actually Change
- You stop feeling like you’re doing it all alone
- You get help with real things: transportation, meds, bills, time
- You gain breathing room to care for your own life
These aren’t miracles. But they’re scaffolding. They hold you up so you can keep going.
How to Use This Blog Without Getting Overwhelmed
You don’t need all 8. Just pick one. Right now.
- Bookmark this post
- Choose the one that speaks to your most urgent need
- Call or click today—before the next thing pulls your attention
Then, next week? Pick another.
It’s like putting oxygen on yourself a little at a time. Not enough to run a marathon. But enough to breathe.
One Caregiver’s Story: Discovering Help Too Late
A woman in my support group said it best: “I didn’t know there was help until I was already burned out.” She found respite care—four hours a week—through her AAA. But by then, her own health had declined.
We don’t want that to be your story.
Get help now. Even if you think you don’t deserve it. Even if you think you should be able to handle it.
This journey was never meant to be walked alone.
The Power of Asking
The hardest part is often admitting you need help. But every time you ask, you model something powerful for the people around you: That caregivers deserve support too.
You teach your kids, your friends, your future self, that asking is a strength.
Don’t miss out on the help waiting for you. Download your free Aging Parent Guide and join the waitlist for From Burnout to Balance—your roadmap to navigating this season with more ease, clarity, and care.
Ready for more calm and clarity? Join the waitlist for From Burnout to Balance—the support system that makes caregiving feel like a breeze. You'll be the first notified when the masterclass opens again—limited seating.
