Resources

Resources for Caregivers

A structured overview of widely used support, digital tools, and national programs to assist caregivers in managing responsibilities, coordinating care, and essential.

There are many digital tools available to delegate and share responsibilities. Before downloading every available option, consider what you really need.

  • Cozi Family Organizer: calendar, shopping lists, reminders to keep family members in sync –
  • Google: shareable calendars, spreadsheets, documents and event notifications for appointments and care tasks.
  • Task and
    -llo: visual boards for organizing care, progress tracking, and.
  • Todoist: cross‑device task lists with reminders and collaboration features for care plans-giving and
  • CaringBridge: private secure updates for family and friends about the care recipient’s health and activities.
  • Lotsa Helping Hands: for a community seeking to help; easy way to coordinate volunteer support. Just add the task and let the community members grab items to help with.
  • Medication and health information
    • MedSafe: medication reminder and interaction alerts useful for coordinating regimens across caregivers.
    • MyChart: secure access medical records, details, and test results shared with caregivers. Keep limited to need-to-know basis only as this can be sensitive info.
  • Document sharing and secure
    • Dropbox/ Drive: centralized storage for care plans, advance directives, and important (shared with trusted family members).
    • Secure messaging apps ( appropriate to privacy needs): allow caregivers to communicate with health professionals and each other while maintaining confidentiality.
  • Financial and administrative aids
    • Evernote or OneNote: capture care, doctor recommendations, and expense logs a format
    • Trello orana (financial task boards): track bill payments insurance dates, and reimbursement requests.

Tips for selecting

  • Prioritize privacy consent: ensure the platform respects health information privacy restricts access appropriately.
  • Simplicity over complexity: choose solutions that all involved can comfortably use. You don’t need one more headache.
  • Accessibility: confirm availability across devices and offline access where.
    Integration potential: look for tools that can connect with calendars, reminders, and health portals used by the care recipient.

Medicare and Medicaid programs

Medicare

  • Part A (Hospital Insurance): covers inpatient stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services.
  • Part B (Medical Insurance): covers outpatient, preventive services, durable medical equipment, and some home health services.
  • Part C (Medicare): an optional alternative to Parts A and B offered by private insurers that may include additional benefits.
  • Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage): optional outpatient prescription drug coverage through private plans.
  • Coverage considerations: plan benefits; refer to Medicare.gov a licensed advisor compare options and eligibility specific services.
  • Medicaid programs
    –tested coverage for eligible individuals and families with limited income and assets.
    • Services commonly funded: long-term, home and community-based services, home health aides, and assistance with daily activities.
    • State: eligibility rules, covered services, waivers vary by state; contact your state office or the Disability and Elder Care resources in state for precise.
  • State and federal waivers
    • Home and community-based service (HCBS) waivers: allow to receive care at home than in institutional.
    • Developmental disability waivers, elderly waivers and other program-specific waivers may be available depending on state provisions.
  • Practical steps
    • Start with a check: use official resources to assess what is in your area.
    • Gather documentation: income statements, proof of residency, identification, and disability-related documents. Consult a benefits counselor through your local Area Agencies on Aging, SHIPs (State Health Insurance Assistance Programs), or disability advocacy can provide tailored assistance.

Nonprofit and association resources (AARP and others)

  • Caregiving resources: practical guidance on caregiving tasks, respite strategies, and managing caregiver stress Advocacy and policy information: updates on laws and programs affecting caregivers.
  • Resources hub: checklists, check-in, and step-by-step planning guides.
  • National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC – Research reports, caregiver statistics, and directories.
    Educational materials and webinars addressing common careg challenges- Family Caregiver Alliance
    • Caregiving tip sheets, counseling resources, and services families.
    • Information caregiver, workplace issues, and respite care options.
  • Programs supporting aging disability services.
  • Information on caregiver support programs, services, and elder rights.
  • National Institute on Aging (NIA)
    • Health and aging information, dementia care guidelines, and elder safety tips.
    • Research updates, clinical trial opportunities, and practical caregiving advice.
  • ElderCare Locator ACL – Directory of local services for aging and caregiver support.
    • Access to resources such as programs transportation, home care, legal assistance.
  • State and local organizations
    • Area Agencies on Aging provide information on local services, caregiver, and respite.
    • Local nonprofit or disability organizations: often offer support, caregiver education, and volunteer programs

Next Steps