Family Caregiver Resources for North Carolina

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.

Family Caregiver Support Program (919-855-3400)
Provides information about services; assistance in gaining access to services; counseling, support groups and training; respite care; and supplemental services. Service varies by county.

Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) (919-855-3400)
Supports caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia patients with counseling, care consultations, information, respite care, support networks, community resources and more.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (919-527-6335)
Provides low-income households that include a person age 60+ with a one-time vendor payment to help pay their heating bills. Individuals and families experiencing a heating or cooling related crisis may apply for assistance through the Crisis Intervention Program.

NC MedAssist (866-331-1348)
Provides prescription medications to eligible low-income residents without insurance coverage. It also provides no-cost over-the-counter medications to those in need through a Mobile Free Pharmacy.

Legal Aid of North Carolina (866-216-5262)
Provides free legal help to low- income residents in civil cases involving domestic abuse, eviction safety, shelter, income immigration/naturalization, federally subsidized housing, criminal record expungement and more.

North Carolina Secretary of State—Advance Healthcare Directives (919-814-5400)
Maintains the forms required to put an individual’s wishes for end-of-life care and other medical directives in place.

Dementia Alliance of North Carolina (919-832-3732)
Connects dementia patients, their caregivers and families to support programs, education and research.

Duke Dementia Family Support Program (800-646-2028)
Provides support, consultations and education to caregivers, families and professionals caring for people with dementia and other memory disorders.

NC Medicaid Division of Health Benefits (888-245-0179)
Provides health insurance programs for low-income individuals and families who cannot afford health care costs, including hospitalization and long-term care.

Medicare and Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (855-408-1212)
Answers questions and counsels seniors about Medicare, Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage, prescription drug plans, long-term care insurance and other health insurance concerns.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman (919-855-3400)
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.

North Carolina Housing Finance Agency (919-877-5700)
Creates affordable housing opportunities for older adults; offers financing to partners that assist with emergency repairs, comprehensive rehabilitation or accessibility modifications.

The Arc of North Carolina (800-662-8706)
Aids people with cognitive disabilities and their families through support, information sharing, advocacy and home- and community-based support services.

Carolina Aging Alliance
Advocates for and provides services to LGBTQ+ persons 50 and older.

Easterseals UCP (800-662-7119)
Provides children and adults living with disabilities, behavioral health challenges or autism, and their family and caregivers, with resources and programs that enable them to thrive in their communities.

Transportation Services for Older Adults (800-662-7030)
Provides information about transportation services to adults age 60+ who do not have access to a vehicle. Local agencies provide travel assistance to non-Medicaid medical appointments, senior lunch programs, grocery stores and other destinations. Website includes general and medical transportation provider directory tools.

Division of Aging (919-855-3400)
Provides older adults, persons with disabilities and their families with information about guardianship, care management, in-home aides, housing, senior centers, caregiver support and more.

Carolina Caring (828-466-0466)
Provides information about hospice and palliative care services at home or in hospitals, assisted living centers, nursing homes and outpatient clinics.

UNC Palliative Care & Hospice Program (984-215-5370)
Provides information about hospice and palliative care resources.