12 Essential Caregiver Resources: Tips for Eldercare Planning
Caregiving can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating an uncertain future. Having trusted caregiver resources is key to managing the challenges of caring for an aging parent or planning your own eldercare needs. That’s why I’ve rounded up these 12 essential tools—from practical books to invaluable websites and support organizations—to help make the journey smoother.
Planning for an uncertain future can feel downright overwhelming—like trying to pack for a trip without knowing the destination. Between managing daily tasks, navigating complex systems like Medicare, and balancing your own life, it’s no wonder caregivers feel overwhelmed.
Whether you’re making arrangements for elderly parents or figuring out your own plan, I am confident that the following books, websites, and organizations will give you the kind of help, support and information you need.
Must-Read Books for Caregivers
1. The Complete Eldercare Planner by Joy Loverde
The Complete Eldercare Planner by Joy Loverde, is the most complete resource between two covers. Caring for aging parents, loved ones, or other elders in your life can feel overwhelming, whether you’ve been thrust into the role unexpectedly or are thoughtfully planning your own future care. Now in its fourth edition, this planner guides you through the challenges of today’s caregiving landscape, offering practical tools and insights tailored to your unique situation.
2. Long-Term Care: How to Plan & Pay for It by the Editors of Nolo
Making decisions about long-term care is never easy, but this reader-friendly guide makes the process simpler. It offers clear, practical advice on choosing the best care options—from nursing facilities to home care providers—and navigating complex systems like Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits. Whether you’re planning ahead or facing urgent decisions, this book helps you evaluate options, understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on care facilities, and decide if long-term care insurance is worth the cost. The expert editors at Nolo, many of whom are former lawyers, provide insights to empower families in making informed decisions about care for loved ones.
3. They’re Your Parents, Too!: How Siblings Can Survive Their Parents’ Aging Without Driving Each Other Crazy by Francine Russo
When your parents start needing care, it’s natural for siblings to step in—but it’s rarely as simple as you might think. They’re Your Parents, Too! offers invaluable guidance for navigating this challenging transition with your siblings, providing practical advice on how to divide caregiving responsibilities and avoid common conflicts. From making medical and financial decisions to handling inheritance issues and childhood rivalries, this book equips you with expert advice, real-life stories, and negotiation strategies that help preserve family harmony while ensuring your parents get the best care possible.
Websites That Simplify Eldercare Decisions
4. The Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older adults and caregivers to local resources, from meal programs and home care to transportation and caregiver support. Simply enter your zip code on their website or call (800) 677-1116 to get personalized guidance from trusted state and local agencies. Since 1991, this service has been a lifeline for families navigating the challenges of aging and caregiving.
5. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
Navigating the legal aspects of caregiving can be daunting, but that’s where NAELA.org comes in. This highly regarded nonprofit connects you with elder and special-needs attorneys who specialize in helping older adults and people with disabilities. With a mission to equip attorneys for the complexities of elder law, NAELA ensures you’ll have access to knowledgeable support to tackle legal, financial, and care-related challenges. Use their Find a Lawyer tool to locate a licensed professional near you.
6. The National Council on Aging (NCOA)
The National Council on Aging (NCOA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of older adults by connecting them with resources to enhance their health, financial security, and independence. From finding jobs and benefits to offering tools like their free Use Your Home to Stay at Home booklet on reverse mortgages, NCOA is a trusted advocate for aging well with dignity and purpose.
7. Medicare.gov
Medicare.gov is the ultimate resource for everything Medicare-related, offering up-to-date information on benefits, costs, eligibility, and enrollment. It’s also packed with tools to help you understand your rights, report fraud, and explore cost-saving programs. For personalized assistance, you can call 800-MEDICARE.
8. LongTermCare.gov
LongTermCare.gov, a resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, offers essential information on long-term care planning. From understanding your potential needs to comparing insurance options, this site provides clear guidance to help you make informed decisions. It’s a great starting point for navigating this complex topic.
9. Medicaid
Medicaid provides health coverage to low-income individuals and families, making it one of the largest healthcare programs in the U.S. To learn about the specific details of your state’s Medicaid program, simply search online using your state’s name followed by “Medicaid.” It’s a vital resource for those seeking affordable care options.
Organizations Offering Free Caregiver Support
10. Senior Health Insurance Program
The Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) provides free, one-on-one assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers. Trained volunteer counselors can help you navigate Medicare, prescription drug plans, long-term care options, and more. Visit ShipHelp.org and use the “SHIP Locator” tool to find personalized support in your state.
11. Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
The Caregiver Action Network (CAN) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of family caregivers across the country. From educational programs to stress-reducing resources, CAN provides free support for those caring for loved ones with chronic conditions, disabilities, or aging needs. Visit CaregiverAction.org to explore their toolbox of guides, checklists, and peer support designed to empower caregivers at every stage of their journey.
12. Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)
For over 40 years, the Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) has been dedicated to supporting family caregivers of adults with physical and cognitive impairments, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and stroke. FCA provides a wide range of services, including care planning, wellness programs, legal/financial consultation, and respite services, with personalized support available through their digital platform, FCA CareNav™. FCA is also a strong advocate for caregivers on the policy, health, and social system development fronts, working on national and international levels to raise awareness and improve support for caregivers.
Navigating Medicare, Medicaid, and Long-Term Care
Navigating the complexities of Medicare, Medicaid, and long-term care can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right resources, you can make informed decisions that best support your loved one’s needs while protecting your own peace of mind. Use the tools and organizations listed here to get the guidance and clarity you need—because caregiving is challenging enough without trying to figure it all out on your own.
Question: What’s the best piece of advice or resource that’s helped you on your caregiving journey? Share it below—we’re all in this together.
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Mary,
Thank you for this article. I am caring for my 84 year old mother with no help from my sister now because of her own health issues. Added to my moms care, I am walking thru cancer treatments with my husband. At times it is overwhelming. One thing I have learned, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prayer, a great group of ladies and eating clean foods to keep my owngood health. The elder lawyer help to know my rights as well as my moms rights is a great help. Keeping open dialogue is another help regarding both my mom and my husband. My adult children call regularly to check in, come by and are helping unload my moms hoarder house. Thank you Mary for the list of resources I can check out!!!!!
Thanks so much for this, Mary. I have a dear friend who cares for her extremely disabled husband and it’s been difficult for her to find the help they need. I’ve passed this information on to her.
After caring for my mom for several years, with her needs increasing as time passed, I have a couple of suggestions:
This book: Caring for Your Aging Parents.
Also, I received guidance and help from a local organization — Thrive Alliance based in Columbus, IN. I would encourage people to check for resources in their own communities as caring for the elderly has become a very common issue.
Thank you for publishing this article. It is a very important need in our generation and will continue increasingly so, I expect.
I think this is a great article, however, there are a lot of other caregivers who are not taking care of their parents but a sibling, child (adult/pediatric), or spouse. I wish these roles had been addressed also.
Mary,
Many years ago I was the pension and employee benefit specialist for a large corporation. This is the most valuable document I have ever seen on this topic. Thank you and congratulations for producing it.
Thanks for your kind feedback, Pat B.