Family Caregiver Resources for California

En español | Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier.

AARP developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

Caregiver Resource Centers Serves families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, Parkinson’s disease and other disorders. Contact the number listed on the website to access the CRC for your area.

California’s Unemployment Insurance Program (800-300-5616)
Helps obtain unemployment benefits for people who are out of work or who have seen their hours reduced.

Paid Family Leave — Employment Development Department (877-238-4373 | 877-379-3819 en Español)
Provides benefits to residents who need to take time off work to care for a seriously ill child, parent, parent- in-law, grandparent, grandchild, sibling, spouse or registered domestic partner.

Paid Sick Leave California law requires employers to provide paid time off to workers for treatment, diagnosis or preventive care for themselves, a family member or a designated person.

Legal Services for Older Californians (800-510-2020)
Provides legal services to eligible low-income clients. To check eligibility and availability, contact your Area Agency on Aging for a referral.

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform (800-474-1116)
Advocates assist consumers with long-term care options, preplacement counseling and guidance with Medi-Cal eligibility.

Adult Protective Services (833-401-0832)
Provides education and investigates allegations of elder abuse and neglect including physical, sexual, financial and verbal abuse.

Legal Aid at Work (800-880-8047)
Represents low-wage workers and engages in community education. Assists low-income, working families by providing free confidential advice through its Work & Family Helpline (including help with paid family leave and paid sick leave).

Covered California (800-300-1506)
Offers information, guidance, special enrollment period information and comparisons between available health plans. Use this portal to apply for Medi-Cal (Medicaid) — free or low-cost health coverage for children and adults with limited income.

Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (800-434-0222)
Provides no-cost one-on-one counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries and their families. Helps with obtaining benefits, filing claims and understanding health care options.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman (800-231-4024)
Representatives assist residents in long-term care and residential care facilities with resolving issues related to day-to-day care, health, safety and personal preferences.

California Aging & Adult Information Line (800-510-2020)
Links individuals and caregivers to local aging and caregiver services and coordinates an array of services for seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers at the community level.

In-Home Supportive Services (800-510-2020)
Program for low-income residents who are disabled, blind or elderly to assist with services such as housecleaning, meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping, personal care and more. Program recipients may be able to hire a family member to provide these services.

Home Care Services Bureau (877-424-5778)
Online public registry for home care aides who have gone through a background check. Intended to promote consumer protection for older adults and people who are blind or with disabilities when they hire private caregivers.

California Department of Veterans Affairs (800-952-5626)
Ensures that veterans and their families receive the state and federal benefits and services they deserve.

California Hospice and Palliative Care Association (916-925-3770)
Provides information and resources about hospice and palliative care for patients, families and caregivers. Includes a Find a Hospice or Palliative Care Provider tool.

Compassion & Choices (800-247-7421)
Offers planning tools and advance planning consultation services related to end-of-life options, including access to medical aid in dying.