Family Caregiver Support & Resources
Practical guidance, financial assistance, and support for family caregivers. You're not alone in this journey.
You're Doing Important Work
Over 53 million Americans provide unpaid care to an aging family member or friend. If you're one of them, you know this role comes with real challenges alongside the meaningful moments. This guide covers practical resources that can help—from getting paid for caregiving to finding respite care, managing stress, and accessing free support programs.
What you'll find in this guide: Programs that pay family caregivers • Free respite and support services • Stress management strategies • Financial assistance options • How to navigate care decisions
Getting Paid to Be a Family Caregiver
Several states have programs that allow family members to be paid for providing care. Eligibility typically requires the care recipient to qualify for Medicaid and need a nursing home level of care. Here are the main programs:
California: In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS)
California's IHSS program allows eligible Medi-Cal recipients to hire family members (except spouses) as paid caregivers. As of 2026, provider wages have increased to keep pace with inflation.
2026 Eligibility Requirements:
- Age/Status: 65+ years old, blind, or disabled (SSA standards)
- Insurance: Full-scope Medi-Cal coverage
- Income Limit: $1,801/month (individual) or $2,433/month (couple)
- Asset Limit: $130,000 (individual) or $195,000 (couple)
- Residence: California resident living at home
How to Apply:
- Contact your county IHSS office or apply online
- Complete the application and submit required documents
- A caseworker will schedule a home visit to assess needs
- Obtain a completed Health Care Certification form (SOC 873) from a physician
- If approved, hire a caregiver (can be a family member except spouse)
Find your county office: Visit CDSS County IHSS Offices or call your local Area Agency on Aging.
New York: Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP)
CDPAP allows Medicaid recipients who need home care to hire and direct their own caregivers, including family members (except spouses, designated representatives, or parents of children under 21).
2026 Updates:
- Wage Increase: Minimum base rate in NYC increased from $20.10 to $20.65/hour (January 2026)
- Training Requirement: Personal assistants must complete training by March 31, 2026
- New Contact: Call Public Partnership LLC at 1-833-247-5346 for all CDPAP inquiries
Learn more: Visit NY Department of Health CDPAP
Other State Programs
Many states offer similar consumer-directed programs through Medicaid HCBS waivers. Some states launching or expanding paid family caregiver programs in 2026 include:
Washington
WA Cares Fund provides long-term care benefits
Minnesota
Paid Family Leave program launched in 2026
Delaware
Healthy Families Act expansion
Maryland
Paid FMLA expansion for caregivers
Indiana
80/20 passthrough rule: 80% of funds go to caregiver wages
Florida
Consumer Directed Care Plus (CDC+)
Check your state: Contact your state's Medicaid office or Area Agency on Aging to learn about consumer-directed programs in your area.
Free and Low-Cost Caregiver Support
Even if you don't qualify for paid caregiving programs, substantial free support is available through federally funded programs and nonprofit organizations.
National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
Established in 2000 under the Older Americans Act, NFCSP provides grants to states to fund caregiver support services. All services are free or low-cost, delivered through local Area Agencies on Aging.
Five Core Services:
Information Services
Comprehensive information about available services and how to access them
Access Assistance
Case management help navigating the care system and connecting with services
Respite Care
Short-term breaks from caregiving so you can rest, recharge, or handle other responsibilities
Counseling and Training
Support groups, individual counseling, and skills training to help you provide better care
Supplemental Services
Additional support on a limited basis, such as home modifications or assistive equipment
How to access: Contact your local Area Agency on Aging or call the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.
Affordable Respite Care Options
Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers. While private respite care costs about $33/hour (2026 national average), several lower-cost options exist:
State Voucher Programs
- Virginia: Up to $595 per family through Lifespan Respite Voucher Program (through June 30, 2026)
- New York: Moderate rate of $19.65/hour for short-term care (free during emergencies)
- Washington: Mini-grants via vouchers for short-term respite
Medicare GUIDE Program (New for 2026)
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services launched a care model for adults with dementia covered by Original Medicare.
Benefit: Up to $2,500 per year for respite services
Medicaid Coverage
Medicaid covers respite care in nearly all states for those who qualify.
2026 Eligibility: Income at or under $2,982/month and assets under $2,000 (individual)
VA Comprehensive Assistance
Veterans eligible for VA's Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers receive at least 30 days of respite care per year.
Find respite care: Use the ARCH Respite Locator or contact your Area Agency on Aging.
Adult Day Programs
Adult day health care provides supervision, meals, activities, and sometimes medical services during daytime hours while you work or take a break.
Average Cost (2026)
$2,299/month
National median for adult day health care
What's Included
- • Meals and snacks
- • Social activities
- • Health monitoring
- • Transportation (sometimes)
Managing Caregiver Stress and Preventing Burnout
Caregiver burnout is emotional and physical exhaustion resulting from continuous caregiving responsibilities. Recognizing warning signs early and taking proactive steps can help you sustain your health while providing care.
Warning Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Physical Symptoms:
- • Chronic fatigue and exhaustion
- • Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
- • Frequent headaches or body aches
- • Changes in appetite or weight
- • Weakened immune system (getting sick often)
Emotional Symptoms:
- • Feeling overwhelmed or constantly worried
- • Irritability or anger
- • Anxiety or depression
- • Loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
- • Withdrawal from friends and family
Practical Strategies to Prevent Burnout
Ask for Help and Delegate
You don't have to do everything. Friends and family often want to help but don't know how.
- • Create a specific list of tasks others can do (grocery shopping, meal prep, lawn care)
- • Accept offers of help—saying yes isn't a sign of weakness
- • Use online tools like meal trains or shared task calendars to coordinate support
- • Be direct: "Can you pick up groceries Tuesday?" works better than "I need help"
Take Regular Breaks
Even short breaks significantly reduce stress and restore energy.
- • Build 10-minute breaks into your daily routine
- • Take a brief walk, practice deep breathing, or stretch
- • Use respite care for longer breaks—a few hours or a full day
- • Schedule breaks like appointments; they're not optional
Prioritize Self-Care
Taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's necessary for sustainable caregiving.
- • Get adequate sleep (7-8 hours); fatigue compounds stress
- • Eat nourishing meals; keep healthy snacks easily accessible
- • Exercise regularly, even if it's just 15-minute walks
- • Keep your own medical appointments
- • Do something you enjoy every day, even if brief
Join a Support Group
Connecting with other caregivers who understand reduces isolation and provides practical advice.
- • Online groups offer flexibility (evenings, weekends)
- • Disease-specific groups (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's) provide targeted support
- • Your Area Agency on Aging can connect you with local groups
- • Many groups are free through nonprofits or hospitals
Set Boundaries
Clear boundaries prevent overextension and protect your well-being.
- • Learn to say "no" to requests that exceed your capacity
- • Set limits on caregiving tasks you can reasonably handle
- • Communicate your boundaries clearly to family members
- • Protect time for yourself without guilt
Practice Stress-Reduction Techniques
Simple practices can lower stress hormones and improve your mental state.
- • Deep breathing exercises (4-7-8 technique: inhale 4 counts, hold 7, exhale 8)
- • Progressive muscle relaxation before bed
- • Meditation or prayer, even 5 minutes daily
- • Mindfulness: focus on the present moment rather than worrying about tomorrow
When to Seek Professional Help
If you're experiencing persistent depression, anxiety, thoughts of self-harm, or feel unable to provide safe care, reach out to a mental health professional immediately.
Crisis support: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 (call or text)
Navigating Care Decisions
Caregiving often requires making difficult decisions about living arrangements, medical treatment, and financial matters. Having a framework can help.
Assessing When More Help Is Needed
Consider whether current care arrangements are sustainable by asking:
Is your loved one safe at home?
Frequent falls, wandering, or forgetting medications may indicate need for more supervision
Are you able to sustain this level of care?
Burnout, health problems, or inability to work may signal the need for additional support
Have care needs increased significantly?
Progression of dementia, mobility decline, or new medical conditions may require professional care
Is family conflict affecting care quality?
Disagreements about care approach may benefit from neutral third-party involvement
Care Options to Consider
Home Care Services
Professional caregivers come to your loved one's home to help with personal care, household tasks, and companionship.
Learn about home careAssisted Living
Residential communities where seniors receive help with daily activities while maintaining independence.
Learn about assisted livingMemory Care
Specialized facilities for individuals with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, with secure environments and trained staff.
Learn about memory careGetting Help with Decisions
Care coordination professionals can assess your situation and recommend appropriate services:
- Geriatric Care Managers: Licensed professionals (often social workers or nurses) who assess needs and coordinate services
- Area Agency on Aging: Free care coordination and guidance available in all communities
- Senior Placement Services: Help finding and evaluating assisted living or memory care facilities (often free to families)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get paid to take care of my parent or spouse?
In many states, yes—if your parent qualifies for Medicaid and meets nursing home level of care criteria. California's IHSS and New York's CDPAP are the largest programs. Most programs don't allow spouses to be paid caregivers, though some exceptions exist (Ohio's PASSPORT allows spousal caregiving).
Start by contacting your state's Medicaid office or Area Agency on Aging to ask about consumer-directed care programs.
What financial help is available for family caregivers?
Financial assistance includes: paid family caregiver programs (IHSS, CDPAP), respite care vouchers, Medicaid waivers covering home care, VA caregiver benefits (for veterans' families), the $2,500/year Medicare GUIDE program for dementia care, and tax deductions for medical expenses and dependent care.
How do I find respite care?
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging for free or subsidized respite through the National Family Caregiver Support Program. Additional options include:
- State voucher programs (check with your AAA)
- Adult day programs ($2,299/month average)
- Medicare GUIDE program ($2,500/year for dementia care)
- Medicaid coverage (if eligible)
- ARCH Respite Locator online tool
I'm feeling burned out. What should I do?
Caregiver burnout is common and addressing it is essential for both your health and your ability to provide care. Take these steps:
- Schedule respite care immediately, even if just a few hours
- Contact your Area Agency on Aging for caregiver counseling
- Join a support group (online or in-person)
- Delegate specific tasks to family and friends
- Talk to your doctor about depression or anxiety symptoms
- Consider whether it's time for additional professional help
Where can I find caregiver training?
Free caregiver training is available through: Area Agencies on Aging (via National Family Caregiver Support Program), Alzheimer's Association education programs, hospital-based caregiver workshops, online courses from AARP and Family Caregiver Alliance, and disease-specific organizations (Parkinson's Foundation, American Heart Association, etc.).
How do I know when it's time for assisted living or memory care?
Consider professional care when:
- Safety concerns arise (frequent falls, wandering, fire hazards)
- Care needs exceed what you can provide while maintaining your health
- Your loved one requires 24/7 supervision
- Medical needs require skilled nursing
- Your physical or mental health is deteriorating from caregiving stress
This decision is personal and there's no single "right time." Consult with your loved one's doctor and a care coordinator for guidance.
Are there support groups for caregivers?
Yes, many free support groups exist both online and in-person. Contact your Area Agency on Aging, local hospitals, Alzheimer's Association chapters, or disease-specific organizations. Online options include CaregiverAction Network forums, ALZConnected (Alzheimer's Association), and Facebook caregiver groups. Many meet evenings or weekends to accommodate working caregivers.
Additional Resources
Find Local Support Services
Connect with your Area Agency on Aging and state-specific caregiver programs
Financial Assistance Options
Explore Medicaid, VA benefits, and other programs that can help pay for care
Understanding Medicare Coverage
Learn what Medicare does and doesn't cover for senior care services
Caregiver Action Network
Education, peer support, and resources for family caregivers nationwide
Family Caregiver Alliance
National center on caregiving with fact sheets, online classes, and consultation services
AARP Caregiving Resource Center
Articles, tools, and community support for family caregivers