AARP and United Way Worldwide Expand 211 Caregiver Program to Iowa

Thousands of family caregivers in Iowa now have easier access to critical support, thanks to a major expansion of the Caregiver Support Program from AARP and United Way Worldwide. Originally launched in 2021, this groundbreaking initiative connects family caregivers to essential services for themselves and their loved ones via the 211 helpline.

With an estimated 330,000 Iowans currently caring for an adult loved one—often without pay, training, or support—the need for accessible, trusted help has never been greater. The 211 helpline – a free, 24/7, and confidential service offered in 180 languages that connects people to health and human resources in one’s area – now offers even more comprehensive assistance for caregivers, thanks to this expanded collaboration between AARP and United Way Worldwide.

• Local referrals for transportation, food delivery, home safety, respite care, veterans’ benefits, and more
• Support to address the caregiver’s own basic needs, like housing, employment, or emotional support
• Simplified access to relevant AARP caregiving tools and guides across a range of specialized topics

Through personalized, one-on-one conversations with trained and compassionate 211 Community Resource Specialists, caregivers receive tailored AARP resources that cover a wide range of topics. The program takes a holistic, “whole person” approach, addressing not only caregiving-related concerns, but also the challenges with meeting basic needs many caregivers face, such as housing, utilities, and food assistance. While these issues prompt their call, they are often tied to the underlying demands of caregiving.

Many caregivers don’t self-identify with the term “caregiver” when caring for a loved one – whether that be children or elderly adults – resulting in many missing out on vital support systems. The Caregiver Support Program is designed to break through that barrier, especially in communities where resources are harder to access.