AARP Eye Center
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.
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 Support
Family Caregiver Navigator (208-426-5899)
Provides free support, options counseling and resource referrals to unpaid family caregivers. Following a research-based assessment, the Navigator generates a care plan to connect caregivers with critical support services.
Idaho Caregiver Alliance (208-426-5899)
Offers support and resource referrals to unpaid caregivers, including respite care. Includes advocacy for caregivers at the state level, a monthly newsletter, plus workshops and events such as the annual Family Caregiver Conference.
Idaho Commission on Aging Life Span Respite (208-334-3833)
Provides information about and access to respite options and training. A list of respite care options is available on their website.
Finances
Idaho State Tax Commission Property Tax Reduction Program (208-334-7736 | 800-972-7660, ext. 7736)
Qualified Idaho homeowners may be eligible for property tax reduction, which could reduce such taxes by $250 to $1,500 on your home and up to one acre of land. Visit the website for program guidelines and instructions on how to file.
Legal
Idaho Legal Aid (208-746-7541)
Provides limited elder law legal services for eligible clients. Elder law involves issues that affect seniors, such as discrimination, guardianship, health benefits, long term health care, nursing home issues, power of attorney, probate and Social Security benefits.
Idaho State Bar Lawyer Referral Service (208-334-4500)
Attorneys offer a free initial consultation (up to 30 minutes) and free referral for personal injury, medical malpractice or workers’ compensation cases. Other cases have a $35 referral fee.
Health
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (877-456-1233)
Provides information about programs that foster a healthy and independent quality of life. Apply for benefits such as Medicaid and food assistance, as well as home- and community-based services such as assisted living and home care, and long-term care service options.
Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (800-247-4422)
Provides free Medicare benefits information and assistance for all Idahoans with Medicare through a statewide network of regional offices, partner organizations and certified volunteers. Medicare counseling, workshops and presentations are available by phone, via internet webinars and in communities statewide.
Your Health Idaho (855-944-3246)
Online marketplace for Idaho families and small businesses to shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage.
Housing and Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (208-334-3833)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems including residents, residents’ family and friends, and long-term care facility employees.
Medicare Nursing Home Compare
Provides a searchable database of every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.
Information and Services
Area Agencies on Aging
Six statewide agencies offer Adult Protective Services to vulnerable adults, caregiver support, in-home support services, respite care, legal assistance, housing, meals and the Senior Medicare Patrol, which empowers Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers to prevent, detect and report health care fraud, error and abuse. Provides information about transportation for older adults to and from locations for medical and health care services, senior centers and meal programs, employment locations, shopping and community functions and social service agencies. Some services have age, income and other eligibility requirements. Eastern: 208-522-5391 or 800-632-4813; North Central: 208-743-5580 or 800-877-3206; Northern: 208-667-3179 or 800-786-5536; South Central: 208-736-2122 or 800-574-8656; Southeast: 208-233-4032 or 800-526-8129; Southwest: 208-898-7060 or 844-850-2883.
Idaho Commission on Aging (877-471-2777; 208-334-3833)
Offers help and information for older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain independent and age in place in their own home and community.