Caring for the Caregivers
Californians of all ages step up every day to care for loved ones, friends, and neighbors. That might mean driving someone to appointments, helping with meals, or managing medications and memory loss. Even when it starts small, caregiving often becomes more than you expected.
Caregiving is meaningful, but it can also be demanding. Many people find themselves balancing work, family responsibilities, and their own health while providing care.
You don’t have to do it alone. California offers services and support to help caregivers at every stage.
You Are Not Alone
Millions of Californians provide unpaid care each year, often without formal training. Many people don't think of themselves as "caregivers." They see themselves as simply helping someone they love. Often, the first step toward support comes when a doctor, social worker, or friend suggests reaching out.
"Many people come to us because someone they trust told them to call," said Michelle Nevins, executive director of the Del Oro Caregiver Resource Center. "They're not always sure what we do, but that first conversation helps them understand their options."
Caregiving also tends to build over time. What starts as occasional help can gradually become a daily responsibility. Many people try to manage on their own until it becomes overwhelming.
"Caregiving can creep up slowly over time," Nevins said. "By the time many people seek help, they are already overwhelmed."
Reaching out early can make a meaningful difference.
Support is Available at Every Step
Whether you are just starting out or have been caregiving for years, there are ways to get support, learn new skills, and take care of yourself along the way.
"Caregivers often benefit most from a combination of support," Nevins said, "including guidance, education, and time to rest and recharge."
Training and education can help you better understand your loved one’s condition and feel more confident providing care. That might include learning how to manage medications or plan for future care. Workshops, classes, and one-on-one guidance can all help build practical, everyday skills.
As Nevins puts it, "Knowledge is power. When caregivers understand what to expect, they feel more prepared and more confident."
Caregiving can also feel isolating. Talking with someone who understands can make a difference, whether through one-on-one counseling, a support group, or ongoing guidance from trained staff. Having a space to ask questions and talk through challenges can help you feel less alone.
It’s not uncommon for caregivers to spend hours trying to figure out benefits, find services, and complete paperwork. At the same time, there may be decisions about advance care planning, power of attorney, and financial matters. Help is available to sort through it all, from understanding Medi-Cal and Medicare to filling out applications and planning ahead.
And taking a break to care for yourself matters. Respite care provides short-term relief so you can step away while your loved one continues to receive care, whether that's through in-home support, adult day programs, or short-term stays.
"Respite is not a luxury, it’s essential," Nevins said. "Caregivers need time to recharge so they can continue providing care."
Programs that Support Caregivers Across California
There are a few different ways to get support in California, depending on your situation.
Family Caregiver Support Program
The Family Caregiver Support Program helps unpaid caregivers who are supporting older adults or people with disabilities. For many, it's the first place they connect with help in their community.
Through local Area Agencies on Aging, this program offers information, referrals, training, counseling, support groups, help with care planning, and respite care. It helps you figure out what's available, understand what you may qualify for, and connect with services close to home. To get started, call 800-510-2020 or visit "Find Services in My County" to reach your local Area Agency on Aging.
Caregiver Resource Centers
If your situation becomes more complex or longer-term, California’s 11 Caregiver Resource Centers offer more in-depth support, especially for those caring for someone with conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, or Parkinson’s. These centers focus on supporting you as the caregiver, not just the person receiving care, and services are available at no cost to eligible families.
While the Family Caregiver Support Program helps connect you to local services, Caregiver Resource Centers provide more personalized and ongoing support. That can include working with a consultant to create a care plan, getting counseling and emotional support, learning about specific conditions, arranging respite care, and connecting with additional resources.
"We take a person-centered approach," Nevins said. "Every caregiver’s situation is different, so the support we provide is tailored to their specific needs."
When you reach out, staff will take time to understand your situation and connect you with a Family Consultant. Together, you will focus on what you need most and what support can help. Follow up and support continue as your situation changes. One caregiver shared:
"I was very grateful for the grant I received and for my Family Consultant who has stayed in touch with me and been so supportive in listening and providing information about resources."
Real Support for Real Caregivers
Caregivers across California are using these services to stay healthy and continue caring for their loved ones.
Marc Reed is grateful for the support group he found through Passages Caregiver Resource Center.
"I’ve always just done things on my own and tried to figure it out and just power through it," he says. "It’s taken a lot to say, ‘Hey, I need some help,’ and they’ve made it easier for me."
The Southern Caregiver Resource Center supports Roberta Cruz as she cares for her mother with Alzheimer’s.
"I felt like I hit a gold mine, just knowing that there’s someone whose focus and concern is how you are doing as a caregiver," Cruz says. "It was a relief to find such a great resource."
Why Caregiver Support Matters
Caregiving plays an essential role in helping people stay safe, healthy, and connected at home. That includes the caregiver, too. Support services can help you:
- Feel more confident in your role
- Better manage daily care
- Build knowledge and skills
- Take better care of your own health
- Reduce stress and isolation
"When caregivers receive the right support, their well-being improves," Nevins said. "They feel more confident and better able to manage care."
How to Get Help
Getting started can be as simple as a phone call. Call 800-510-2020 or visit aging.ca.gov to connect with your local Area Agency on Aging, ask about caregiver services, and get matched with resources in your community. Most services are free or low-cost. You can also visit California Caregiver Resource Centers to find the Center near you.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
Caregiving can feel overwhelming, and support is available.
"We don’t want caregivers to walk this journey alone," Nevins said. "There are resources and services available to support you."