Free printable guide
Caregiver Service Navigation: Printable Guide
A practical starting point when you know help is needed but are not sure which local service to contact first.
Open printable PDFWhy this matters
Caregivers often know help is needed but not which door to open first. A short, clear description of the situation makes every call faster.
The local Area Agency on Aging usually knows every service nearby, including meals, in-home help, adult day programs, and respite care.
Inside the printable
What this guide helps you do
- Describing the daily tasks that need support
- Learning the kinds of help to ask about, including respite care
- Reaching the local Area Agency on Aging through the Eldercare Locator
- Screening for benefits with BenefitsCheckUp
- Asking every service about eligibility, waiting lists, and cost
- Keeping a contact log so you never start over
Official contacts in this guide
Free public and nonprofit services. No affiliate links. Numbers checked September 2026; confirm hours on each official website.
- Eldercare Locator Connects you to your local Area Agency on Aging. 1-800-677-1116 (call or text)
- BenefitsCheckUp Free National Council on Aging screener for benefits
- Family Caregiver Alliance Caregiver services listed state by state
- State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) Free, one-on-one Medicare counseling, not connected to any insurance company. 877-839-2675