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.
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
AgeWays (800-852-7795)
Connects older adults and family caregivers with in-home care, Meals on Wheels, adult day services and respite services, along with classes on caregiving, information and support.
Trualta (800-214-5085)
Free web-based caregiver resource and education platform uses short lessons, videos, articles, tip sheets and workshops to give guided support for providing care. Also offers useful information on how to take care of yourself so you can take care of others.
Aidaly (888-691-5947)
Provides information on financial assistance available to family caregivers.
Michigan Assistive Technology Program (800-578-1269)
Helps people access low-cost, free or insurance-covered assistive technology devices and equipment, including specialized eating utensils and mobility aids.
Michigan Public Service Commission (800-292-9555)
Aids older adults having difficulty paying their gas or electric bills.
Mid-America Pension Rights Project (866-735-7737)
Offers no-cost basic advice about pension laws and pension rights, filing benefit claims and finding pensions that are unavailable due to company mergers.
Legal
Elder Law of Michigan Inc. (866-400-9164)
Provides free legal advice and information to older adults, people with disabilities and their caregivers.
Michigan Legal Help
Provides free how-to kits, brochures and help with court forms for people of all ages who are handling legal problems without a lawyer. Also helps with referrals to lawyers and community services for those seeking more assistance.
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys — Michigan Chapter
Specializes in legal services for older adults and people with special needs; offers a database of elder law attorneys that can be refined by city or ZIP code.
Health
Michigan Medicare Assistance Program (800-803-7174)
Provides free, confidential counseling about the Medicare and Medicaid systems, as well as information about veterans’ health benefits, private insurance, prescription drug assistance, hospital bills and Medicare notices.
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (877-264-7223)
Health care program that combines medical and social support for those 55 or older. An alternative to nursing home care, the program coordinates and provides preventive, primary, acute and long-term care services, so older adults can continue living in the community.
Michigan Health Information Network — Making Choices Michigan (844-454-2443)
Helps people decide and document their health care preferences, allowing them and their loved ones to be better prepared for a possible medical emergency.
Housing and Care Facilities
Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs
Online search tool connects state residents with licensed assisted living and adult foster care facilities in each county.
Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program (866-485-9393)
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 members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.
Information and Services
Alzheimer’s Association— Michigan Chapter (800-272-3900)
Provides information and resources related to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, including the latest research, care navigation tools, support groups and a 24-hour helpline.
Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan (517-886-1029)
Network of more than 1,300 service providers connects older adults and caregivers with services including nutrition, caregiver resources, health and wellness programs, elder rights, senior centers, home health agencies and in-home services that can help with meals, bathing and household tasks, etc.
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services — Adult Protective Services (855-444-3911)
Investigates and provides information about allegations of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Aging Services (517-241-4100)
Offers information about — and connects residents with — local programs and services for older adults.
Michigan Parkinson Foundation (800-852-9781)
Provides information and referrals, as well as exercise programs and support groups, for people with Parkinson’s disease and their loved ones.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (800-642-4838)
Helps veterans and their families access federal, state and local resources and benefits.
National Multiple Sclerosis Society — Michigan Chapter (800-344-4867)
Provides information and resources to people living with MS and their families.
End of Life
Michigan Department of Health & Human Services— Information Resource Guide to End of Life Care
Downloadable guide provides a variety of resources to help terminally ill older adults and their family caregivers.