National organizations worth knowing.
These are the established, mission-driven organizations that exist to help family caregivers. They're free, they're reputable, and they collectively run most of the support infrastructure that exists in this country.
Generalist caregiver organizations
AARP
Much more than a senior membership group. Their caregiver division has resources, planning tools, advocacy work, and an active community. You do not have to be an AARP member to use their caregiver resources. aarp.org/caregiving
Family Caregiver Alliance
One of the oldest and most respected caregiver organizations in the U.S. State-by-state resource finder, online forums, fact sheets on dozens of conditions, policy advocacy. caregiver.org
National Alliance for Caregiving
Research and policy focused. If you want to understand the bigger picture of caregiver issues, their reports are landmark. caregiving.org
Caregiver Action Network
Practical-focused organization. Their "Caregiver Help Desk" (1-855-227-3640) is staffed by trained caregiver experts. caregiveraction.org
Federal resources
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116. A free federal service connecting you to your local Area Agency on Aging, which is the single most important free resource for caregivers of older adults. Whatever your question is, they have someone to send you to.
Administration for Community Living (ACL)
Federal agency overseeing the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Their site links to state and local resources. acl.gov
Benefits.gov
Federal benefits screener, answer questions about your situation, get a list of programs you may qualify for. benefits.gov
Veteran-specific
- VA Caregiver Support Program, caregiver.va.gov
- VA Caregiver Support Line, 1-855-260-3274
- Hidden Heroes (Elizabeth Dole Foundation), focused on military and veteran caregivers. hiddenheroes.org
Condition-specific (a starting list)
- Alzheimer's Association, alz.org · 1-800-272-3900 (24/7)
- Parkinson's Foundation, parkinson.org · 1-800-473-4636
- ALS Association, als.org
- American Cancer Society, cancer.org · 1-800-227-2345 (24/7)
- National Multiple Sclerosis Society, nationalmssociety.org · 1-800-344-4867
- American Heart Association, heart.org
- National Kidney Foundation, kidney.org
For any condition not listed, search "[condition] foundation" or "[condition] society" and look for the national nonprofit. Almost every major condition has one.