---
title: "A Guide for Family Caregivers: Where to Get Help"
description: "A practical guide for family caregivers: what the role involves, getting organized, help you can get (respite, training, pay programs) and self-care."
url: https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/family-caregiver/
updated: 2026-10-09
site: Senior Transition Assistance
---

For families

# A guide for family caregivers

If you help an aging parent, spouse or relative with daily life, you're a family caregiver, even if you've never used the word. Here's how to get organized and where to find support.

Talk it through with a person[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)

Free. We listen, explain your options, and introduce you to a few that fit. You decide.

Quick answer

A family caregiver is a relative or friend who helps an older or disabled person with daily needs, usually unpaid. Get organized with a care notebook, medication list and key documents; share tasks among family; and use available help: respite care, adult day care, training and support groups through your Area Agency on Aging's family caregiver program, and in some cases paid caregiver programs through Medicaid or the VA. [(800) 614-8388](tel:+18006148388) to talk through options.

**Last updated October 9, 2026** Costs are published medians or typical ranges with a named source, never quotes. Every community and agency prices differently.

**On this page**

1. [ What family caregivers often do](#g-what-family-caregivers-often-do)
2. [Get organized](#g-get-organized)
3. [Help you can ask for](#g-help-you-can-ask-for)
4. [Take care of yourself](#g-take-care-of-yourself)
5. [Questions](#g-faq)

## What family caregivers often do

- Help with bathing, dressing, meals and medications.
- Drive to appointments; manage bills and paperwork.
- Coordinate doctors, home care and pharmacies.
- Provide company and emotional support.

## Get organized

1. Keep a care notebook: medications, doctors, insurance, history.
2. Put key documents in one place, including [power of attorney](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/power-of-attorney/).
3. Write down a weekly routine.
4. Share a calendar with family members.

## Help you can ask for

- **Family caregiver support programs:** the National Family Caregiver Support Program, run through Area Agencies on Aging, offers information, counseling, training and respite.
- **Respite care:** short stays or in-home breaks. See [respite care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/respite-care/).
- **Adult day care** on weekdays.
- **Paid caregiver programs:** some Medicaid waivers and the VA caregiver program. See [paid family caregivers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/paid-family-caregiver/).
- **Dementia support:** the Alzheimer's Association helpline, 800-272-3900.
- **Veterans:** the VA Caregiver Support Program.

## Take care of yourself

- Keep your own doctor visits.
- Accept offers of help, and ask for specific help.
- Join a support group, in person or online.
- Watch for signs of burnout: exhaustion, irritability, poor sleep, feeling hopeless.

### Caregiving for someone you love?

We'll help you find respite, home care and other support near Kansas City. Free.

[  (800) 614-8388 ](tel:+18006148388)[Have us call you](#g-form)

## Questions families ask

### What is a family caregiver?

A relative or friend who helps someone with daily needs, usually unpaid.

### Where can family caregivers get help?

Your Area Agency on Aging, the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116), the Alzheimer's Association, and the VA for veterans.

### Can family caregivers get paid?

Sometimes, through Medicaid waivers or the VA caregiver program.

### How do I avoid caregiver burnout?

Take breaks, accept help, use respite care and look after your own health.

## Sources

- [ACL: National Family Caregiver Support Program](https://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers/national-family-caregiver-support-program)
- [National Institute on Aging: Caregiving](https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving)
- [Alzheimer's Association: Caregiving](https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving)
- [VA Caregiver Support Program](https://www.caregiver.va.gov/)

## More guides in this section

- [Caregiver burnout](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/caregiver-burnout/)

## Related guides

- [For families](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/)
- [Caring for elderly parents](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/caring-for-elderly-parents/)
- [Respite care](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/respite-care/)
- [Paid family caregivers](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/help/paying-for-it/paid-family-caregiver/)
- [Area Agency on Aging](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/area-agency-on-aging/)
- [Long-distance caregiving](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/long-distance-caregiving/)
- [When a parent refuses help](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/parent-refuses-help/)
- [Power of attorney](https://seniortransitionassistance.com/for-families/power-of-attorney/)

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