Caregiving Resources

When it comes to caregiving, you are not alone. Family caregivers provide an estimated 36 billion hours of care to aging parents, spouses, other family, and friends. A 2023 AARP report values this unpaid care at $600 billion. On this page, we have provided a “tip of the iceberg,” if you will, list of caregiving items that might be beneficial for getting you started with your caregiving journey.

AARP Valuing the Invaluable Report
This report pulls from multiple sources to profile who family caregivers are and the challenges they face and includes several first-person accounts of the experience.

Show caregivers you are standing with them.
Take action now!

Caregiving Resources
AARP has compiled an array of resources for every stage of the caregiving process, from making your home safer to knowing then it is time to seek outside help for your loved one. You will also find support groups and access to self-care opportunities.

Legal Checklist
Getting ahead with what you and your loved one should plan from a legal perspective could save you time and hassle later. How do you fare when it comes to our legal checklist?

AARP’s Military Caregiving Guide
Navigating the system can be challenging for spouses of veterans as well as those who served. Download AARP’s helpful guide to make sure you have everything you need to find your path forward.

End of Life Conversations
An end-of-life conversation can elicit a range of emotions. Learn how to approach these often painful but important topics with those you love.

Hanging Up the Keys
It can be tough having a conversation with your loved one about no longer driving. Here we share tips on how to approach this topic with empathy.

Supporting Family Caregivers in Your State
AARP has a website dedicated to providing you with information about how we’re advocating for caregivers in your state.


Arkansas Specific Resources
If you are not from Arkansas, you may have similar organizations in your state. Check online or reach out to the Arkansas resource listed below for assistance contacting the organization in your area.

ALS Association
The Arkansas Chapter focuses primarily on helping local patients and families live with ALS while the National Office focuses primarily on research and advocacy.

Alzheimer's Arkansas
Alzheimer's is a type of dementia that affects memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms eventually grow severe enough to interfere with daily tasks.

American Cancer Society, Arkansas
Improving the lives of cancer patients and their families through advocacy, research, and patient support to ensure that everyone has an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.

Arkansas Association of Area Agencies on Aging
5A allows older adults to choose the home and community-based services and living arrangements that best  suit them, making it easier for them to age in place.

Arkansas Department of Human Services (see below)
The department maintains an online portal offering information for over 20 different state and federal programs, including food assistance and Medicaid enrollment.
Arkansas Department of Human Services Access Arkansas
Arkansas Department of Human Services Caregiver Resources
Arkansas Department of Human Services Choices in Living Resource Center
Arkansas Department of Human Services Home Healthcare

Arkansas Home Energy Program
LIHEAP helps low-income households with home energy costs through Regular Assistance and Crisis Intervention Programs.

Arkansas Hospice
Hospice is a type of medical care for patients who have been diagnosed with a life-limiting illness. Comfort care and symptom management become the primary focus, rather than ongoing efforts to find a cure.

Arkansas Insurance Department Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIPP)
SHIIP enlists counselors to give residents unbiased information about Medicare, Medigap, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Part D (drug plans) and long-term care insurance options.

Arkansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
A LTCO identifies, investigates and resolve complaints made by — or on behalf of — long-term care residents. The program also offers education and assistance in obtaining needed services, and coordinates efforts with service providers.

Arkansas Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to eligible households to cover a portion of their food budget. Benefits are distributed through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card.

Medicare Nursing Home and Rehab Service Finder
Nursing Home Compare provides detailed information about every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.

UAMS Arkansas Geriatric Education Collaborative
Providing free community and health professional programs focused on geriatric training and education.

UAMS Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging
A collective of clinical care focused on the aging population and their specific needs.

National Organizations for Caregivers
ARCH National Respite Network
AARP
ALS Association- Respite Care
Alzheimer’s Association
American Psychological Association
Caregiver Action Network
Lifespan Respite Care Program
National Alliance for Caregiving
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
VA Caregiver Support