Caregiver guide
Family caregivers help an older person with personal care, health care coordination and financial and legal matters, and 63 million Americans were family caregivers in 2025, nearly a 50% increase since 2015.[1][2] Caregivers can get free help locating services, training and respite through the Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) and programs funded under the Older Americans Act.[3][4]
Caregiving in numbers
- One in four U.S. adults is a caregiver; 94% care for adults and one in three is under age 50.[2]
- Over 40% provide high-intensity care; many perform complex medical tasks, yet only 22% receive training.[2]
- Seven in ten family caregivers are employed; half report a negative financial impact.[2]
Getting started
- Learn about the person’s health and treatments. By law, you generally need written permission to receive someone’s medical information unless they are with you and able to consent.[1]
- Share tasks with family and friends, and ask other caregivers for local recommendations.[1]
- Get training. Courses are offered by hospitals, governments and nonprofits, often free or low-cost; Medicare and Medicaid sometimes pay for caregiver training.[1]
- Find local services such as in-home help, transportation and home modifications through the Eldercare Locator.[1][3]
- Plan finances and legal matters early; see Paying for senior living.[5]
Taking breaks: respite
Respite care gives primary caregivers short-term relief, from a few hours to several weeks, at home, in a facility or at an adult day center.[6] NIA notes that many caregivers later say they did too much on their own and wish they had asked for more support.[6] See Respite care.
Long-distance caregiving
NIA suggests asking the person and the primary caregiver how to help, learning about the person’s health, offering occasional respite, and handling tasks that can be done remotely.[1]
Support programs
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Established in 2000, this Administration for Community Living program funds states to provide caregiver information, access assistance, counseling, support groups, training and respite. Eligible caregivers include adults caring for people 60 and older and for people of any age with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.[4] In ACL’s survey of program clients, 74% of caregivers said services let them provide care longer than otherwise possible.[4]
California and San Diego
- County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services: information and assistance for older adults, people with disabilities and caregivers; call center 800-339-4661 (8 a.m.–5 p.m. weekdays; abuse reports 24/7).[7]
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman (San Diego County): 800-640-4661 or 858-560-2507; statewide CRISISline 1-800-231-4024.[7][8]
- Adult Protective Services in San Diego County serves adults 65 and older and dependent adults 18 and older who are harmed or threatened with harm; reports go through the AIS call center.[7]
Frequently asked questions
How many family caregivers are there in the U.S.?
About 63 million Americans were family caregivers in 2025, according to AARP and the National Alliance for Caregiving.[2]
Can I get paid to care for a family member?
Many states offer some form of pay for family caregivers, most commonly through Medicaid programs, but eligibility and funding vary by state.[5]
Where can caregivers in San Diego get help?
The County of San Diego Aging & Independence Services call center (800-339-4661) is the gateway to county programs and other community services for older adults and caregivers.[7]
See also
References
Web pages accessed September 28, 2026 unless noted. See sources and methodology.
- ^ "Getting Started With Caregiving". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "Caregiving in the US 2025". AARP and National Alliance for Caregiving. Published July 24, 2025; doi:10.26419/ppi.00373.001.
- ^ "Eldercare Locator". Administration for Community Living.
- ^ "National Family Caregiver Support Program". Administration for Community Living.
- ^ "Paying for Long-Term Care". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "What Is Respite Care?". National Institute on Aging (NIH).
- ^ "About Aging & Independence Services". County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency.
- ^ "Long-Term Care Ombudsman". California Department of Aging.