Resources for Family Caregivers: A Practical Guide

Key Takeaways

There are 63 million family caregivers in the U.S. — 1 in 4 adults — and most provide care entirely unpaid.

The average caregiver spends roughly $7,242 per year out of pocket on caregiving-related costs.

Every state has at least one Medicaid program that can pay a family member to provide care — eligibility rules vary by state.

The free Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) connects you to local services by zip code, including respite care, meals, and transportation.

If your loved one is a veteran, the VA’s Caregiver Support Line (855-260-3274) can connect you to stipends, health coverage, and respite care through PCAFC.

You didn’t sign up for a second job. But that’s what caregiving often becomes — managing medications, coordinating appointments, handling finances, all while trying to hold together your own life. If you’re caring for an aging parent, a spouse, or another loved one, you’re part of a group of 63 million Americans doing the same thing right now. Most of them are also struggling to find the help they need.

This guide cuts through the noise. It covers the main categories of caregiver resources — government programs, financial assistance, respite care, emotional support, and services specifically for veterans’ families — with direct links and phone numbers so you can actually use them. You won’t find everything here, but you’ll find the places that can connect you to nearly everything else.

What Family Caregiver Resources Are Actually Out There?

The landscape of support for family caregivers is wider than most people realize — and more fragmented. Programs are run at the federal, state, and local level. Some pay caregivers directly. Others fund respite breaks, transportation, meal delivery, or training. A few are universally available; many depend on income, diagnosis, or the state you live in.

The best starting point, regardless of your situation, is the Eldercare Locator, a free national service run by the U.S. Administration for Community Living. Enter any zip code at eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET) and a specialist will point you toward local services — from meal programs to caregiver support groups to in-home aide assistance.

From there, the main resource categories for family caregiver resources are:

Government programs (federal and state)
Financial help and paid caregiver options
Respite care (temporary relief)
Emotional support and burnout prevention
Veteran-specific programs
Condition-specific organizations (Alzheimer’s, etc.)

The sections below walk through each one.

Government Programs Every Caregiver Should Know

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

The NFCSP is the federal government’s primary program for supporting family caregivers of older adults. Funded through the Older Americans Act and administered by the ACL, it provides grants to every state to deliver five core services:

Information about available services
Help accessing those services
Individual counseling and caregiver training
Respite care
Supplemental services (like assistive technology or home modifications)

To access NFCSP services in your area, contact your local Area Agency on Aging — the Eldercare Locator can find yours. Priority is generally given to caregivers of adults 60 and older, grandparents raising grandchildren, and caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s or related dementias.

Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS)

If your loved one qualifies for Medicaid, this is one of the most significant sources of support available. All 50 states allow family members to be paid caregivers through at least one Medicaid home care program. The key vehicle is usually a self-directed care or consumer-directed program, which lets the Medicaid recipient choose their own caregiver — including a family member.

Rules vary considerably by state:

Most states exclude spouses from being paid caregivers under certain programs
Some states don’t allow payment to a caregiver who lives in the same home
Children, grandchildren, in-laws, and siblings are commonly permitted
Pay rates are generally set below the market rate for professional aides

Beyond paying family caregivers directly, Medicaid HCBS programs also fund training, support groups, and respite care for caregivers. Contact your state’s Medicaid office or use the Eldercare Locator to find the right program in your state.

Medicare Coverage for Home Health and Skilled Care

Medicare does not pay for long-term personal care provided by a family member. However, it does cover short-term skilled nursing care, physical therapy, and other home health services when your loved one is homebound and under a physician’s care. This can meaningfully reduce the tasks falling on you.

If your loved one has recently been hospitalized, Medicare also covers short-term stays in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) — up to 100 days under Part A, with cost-sharing beginning on day 21. Understanding what Medicare covers can help you plan which gaps a family caregiver or outside help needs to fill.

Financial Help for Caregivers

Money is one of the hardest parts. The average family caregiver spends approximately $7,242 per year out of pocket on caregiving — and for dementia care, that figure approaches $10,700 annually. Most caregivers absorb these costs while also holding down a paying job: 70% of caregivers ages 18 to 64 are employed while providing care.

Here are the main ways to find financial help for caregivers:

Get Paid Through Medicaid

As noted above, every state has at least one Medicaid program that allows family caregivers to be compensated. These programs typically pay somewhere between minimum wage and the local home aide market rate. The application process can be involved, so start early. Call your state Medicaid office or the Eldercare Locator to identify which program fits your situation.

Veteran Caregiver Stipends (VA PCAFC)

If the person you care for is a veteran with a service-connected disability, the VA’s Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) offers a monthly stipend to the primary family caregiver. The amount depends on the level of care needed and the geographic cost of living. PCAFC also provides:

Health coverage through CHAMPVA (if you’re otherwise uninsured)
Mental health counseling
Respite care (at least 30 days per year)
Caregiver education and training
Travel assistance when accompanying the veteran for care

Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 to start the process or find your local Caregiver Support Coordinator.

Tax Deductions and Dependent Care Credits

If you pay for care on your loved one’s behalf or claim them as a dependent, there may be federal tax benefits available. The IRS allows a medical expense deduction for qualifying costs that exceed 7.5% of your adjusted gross income, which can include payments for home health aides and nursing home care. The Dependent Care FSA through an employer is another option if you’re paying for adult day services.

The bipartisan Credit for Caring Act (S. 925 / H.R. 7165, 119th Congress) would create a nonrefundable federal tax credit of up to $5,000 for working family caregivers who spend more than $2,000 on qualifying care expenses. Despite broad support from AARP and dozens of advocacy organizations, the bill was not included in the major tax legislation signed in July 2025 and remains pending in Congress as of October 2026. It is worth watching — but it is not yet law.

Caregiver Contracts

A caregiver contract (also called a personal care agreement) is a formal written agreement between a family caregiver and the person they’re caring for. The caregiver is paid from the care recipient’s personal funds in exchange for defined services. This arrangement can make sense for families handling Medicaid planning, since it converts countable assets into legitimate caregiving payments. Consult an elder law attorney before creating one.

Respite Care: Taking a Break Without Guilt

Respite care is temporary relief — someone else takes over caregiving for a few hours, a day, a weekend, or longer so you can rest, work, or simply exist outside your caregiving role. It’s not a luxury. Research consistently links access to respite with better caregiver health and delayed nursing home placement for care recipients.

The problem is that most caregivers don’t use it. Barriers include cost, not knowing where to start, and the feeling that taking a break means failing your loved one. None of those things are true.

Where to find respite care:

Source	What It Offers	Cost
Lifespan Respite Care Program (ACL)	Vouchers or subsidies for temporary relief; availability by state	Often free or low-cost
National Family Caregiver Support Program	Respite funded through local Area Agencies on Aging	Free (income-based priority)
VA PCAFC (veterans)	At least 30 days of respite per year	Free for eligible veteran families
Medicaid HCBS	Respite funded through waiver programs	Free if Medicaid-eligible
Adult day centers	Structured daytime programs for your loved one	Varies; Medicaid may cover
Volunteer programs (e.g., Community Care Corps)	Volunteer companions or caregivers for a few hours	Free

The Lifespan Respite Care Program, created by Congress in 2006, is the only federal program dedicated solely to respite for caregivers of all ages and disability types. Funding is distributed to states that operate their own voucher programs — amounts and eligibility vary by state.

To find respite options near you, use the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or call 1-800-677-1116.

Recognizing and Preventing Caregiver Burnout

More than three-quarters of caregivers report experiencing feelings of burnout, and many describe it as a weekly or even daily occurrence. The National Institute on Aging notes that chronic caregiver stress is linked to higher rates of depression, heart disease, and even premature mortality.

The warning signs are worth knowing — not because you’re doing something wrong, but because catching them early gives you more options.

Signs of caregiver burnout include:

Exhaustion that doesn’t improve with sleep
Increasing irritability or anger
Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy
Neglecting your own medical appointments or health needs
Feeling like caregiving is your only identity
Hopelessness or lack of pleasure in things that once made you happy

Burnout isn’t weakness. It’s what happens when the demands of a role exceed the support available. The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 specific warning signs at alz.org — particularly relevant if you’re caring for someone with dementia, who tend to experience the highest caregiver stress levels.

Practical steps that actually help:

Use the respite options above — even a few hours a week matters
Join a caregiver support group (the Eldercare Locator can find local ones; AARP and the Alzheimer’s Association have online versions)
Talk to your own doctor and be honest about what’s happening
Ask for help from other family members with specific, concrete tasks
Contact a geriatric care manager for a professional assessment of your situation

Resources for Veterans’ Family Caregivers

If your loved one served in the military, there’s a separate and substantial set of programs through the VA specifically for family caregivers.

The VA runs two caregiver support programs:

1. Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) The more robust of the two. Requires the veteran to have a serious service-connected disability (generally rated 70% or higher). Benefits for primary caregivers include a monthly stipend, CHAMPVA health coverage, mental health counseling, respite care, and legal/financial planning services.

2. Program of General Caregiver Support Services (PGCSS) Available to caregivers of any veteran enrolled in VA health care, regardless of disability rating. No monthly stipend, but includes skills training, coaching, peer support, and online programs.

Both programs provide access to a local Caregiver Support Team at VA medical centers.

To find out which program fits your situation, call the VA Caregiver Support Line: 855-260-3274 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. ET) or visit caregiver.va.gov.

Condition-Specific Caregiver Resources

Some conditions come with dedicated national organizations that offer caregiver-specific support, training, and helplines.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) runs a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-272-3900 with caregiver coaching, care consultations, and local chapter support groups. Dementia caregiving is among the most intensive forms of care — those caring for someone with dementia spend an average of nearly double what other caregivers spend out of pocket.

Parkinson’s Disease The Parkinson’s Foundation (parkinson.org) runs a free Helpline at 1-800-473-4636 (Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–8 p.m. ET), staffed by nurses, social workers, and health educators. Caregivers can get answers on disease progression, treatment options, and referrals to local PD specialists and support groups. Email support is also available at Helpline@Parkinson.org.

General Aging and Chronic Illness The AARP Caregiver Resource Center at aarp.org/caregiving offers guides, a caregiver help line, and connections to local support. HealthInAging.org (American Geriatrics Society) has clinical guides on managing common conditions in older adults.

A Quick-Reference Table of Key Caregiver Resources

Resource	What It Does	Contact
Eldercare Locator (ACL)	Finds local services by zip code	eldercare.acl.gov / 1-800-677-1116
National Family Caregiver Support Program	Counseling, respite, training via local AAAs	Through Eldercare Locator
VA Caregiver Support Line	All VA caregiver programs	855-260-3274
Alzheimer’s Association Helpline	Dementia-specific caregiver support, 24/7	1-800-272-3900
AARP Caregiving Center	Guides, tools, local chapter support	aarp.org/caregiving
Parkinson’s Foundation Helpline	PD-specific caregiver support, referrals	parkinson.org / 1-800-473-4636
Benefits.gov	Screens for all federal benefit eligibility	benefits.gov
State Medicaid Office	Paid caregiver programs, HCBS waivers	Via Medicaid.gov state finder

Frequently Asked Questions

What resources are available for family caregivers?

Federal programs include the National Family Caregiver Support Program (counseling, respite, training via local Area Agencies on Aging), Medicaid home and community-based services, and — for veterans’ families — the VA Caregiver Support Program. The free Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov / 1-800-677-1116) is the fastest way to find what’s available in your zip code.

Can I get paid to take care of a family member?

Yes, in every state. All 50 states have at least one Medicaid program that allows family members to be paid caregivers through self-directed care arrangements. Rules vary — most states exclude spouses from certain programs. If your loved one is a veteran, the VA’s PCAFC also provides a monthly stipend to primary caregivers.

What are the signs of caregiver burnout?

Common signs include persistent exhaustion, increased irritability, social withdrawal, neglecting your own health, and a loss of pleasure in activities you once enjoyed. The National Institute on Aging notes that chronic caregiving stress increases risks of depression and heart disease. The Alzheimer’s Association lists 10 specific warning signs at alz.org — useful even if your loved one doesn’t have dementia.

How do I find respite care for a family caregiver?

Start with the Eldercare Locator (eldercare.acl.gov or 1-800-677-1116), which connects to local respite programs. Federal options include the Lifespan Respite Care Program (available in many states as vouchers), Medicaid HCBS respite, and — for veterans’ families — at least 30 days of VA-funded respite through PCAFC. Adult day centers are another practical option.

Is there financial help for family caregivers who had to reduce their work hours?

Direct financial assistance for lost wages is limited, but some options exist. Medicaid self-directed programs pay caregivers for the actual care provided. The VA PCAFC monthly stipend is compensation for veterans’ family caregivers. Employer-sponsored Dependent Care FSAs and the IRS medical expense deduction can reduce your tax burden. The bipartisan Credit for Caring Act — which would create a credit of up to $5,000 — has broad support but was not enacted in the major 2025 tax bill. It remains pending in Congress as of October 2026.

What does the VA offer for family caregivers of veterans?

The VA runs two programs. PCAFC offers a monthly stipend, CHAMPVA health coverage, respite care, and mental health counseling for caregivers of veterans with a serious service-connected disability. PGCSS offers training, coaching, and peer support for caregivers of any VA-enrolled veteran. Both are accessed through the VA Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274.

Sources

AARP & National Alliance for Caregiving. “Caregiving in the US 2025.” https://www.aarp.org/caregiving/basics/caregiving-in-us-survey-2025/. Accessed: October 2026.
Administration for Community Living (ACL). “National Family Caregiver Support Program.” https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program. Accessed: October 2026.
Eldercare Locator — U.S. Administration on Aging. https://eldercare.acl.gov/Public/Index.aspx. Accessed: October 2026.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC).” https://www.va.gov/family-and-caregiver-benefits/health-and-disability/comprehensive-assistance-for-family-caregivers/. Accessed: October 2026.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “How Are the 2 VA Caregiver Support Programs Different?” https://www.va.gov/resources/how-are-the-2-va-caregiver-support-programs-different/. Accessed: October 2026.
KFF (Kaiser Family Foundation). “How do Medicaid Home Care Programs Support Family Caregivers?” https://www.kff.org/medicaid/issue-brief/how-do-medicaid-home-care-programs-support-family-caregivers/. Accessed: October 2026.
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National Institute on Aging (NIA). “Caregiver Health.” https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving. Accessed: October 2026.
AARP. “Family Caregiving and Out-of-Pocket Costs.” https://www.aarp.org/content/dam/aarp/research/surveys_statistics/ltc/2021/family-caregiver-report.doi.10.26419-2Fres.00473.001.pdf. Accessed: October 2026.
Alzheimer’s Association. “Caregiver Stress and Burnout.” https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/caregiver-health/caregiver-stress. Accessed: October 2026.
Parkinson’s Foundation. “Care Partner Resources & Helpline.” https://www.parkinson.org/resources-support/carepartners. Accessed: October 2026.
U.S. Congress (119th). “Credit for Caring Act, S. 925.” https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/925. Accessed: October 2026.
Politifact. “No tax credit for caregivers in Biden’s megabill.” July 10, 2025. https://www.politifact.com/factchecks/2025/jul/10/joe-biden/no-tax-credit-caregivers-biden-megabill/. Accessed: October 2026.