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
Texas Health and Human Services (877-541-7905)
Provides support services for caregivers and care recipients, including information for respite providers, education, training, and support services.
Finances
Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (877-541-7905; 877-399-8939)
Provides financial and utility payment assistance to low-income residents who are unable to pay their bills.
Managing Someone Else’s Money in Texas
Toolkit for financial caregivers who manage money or property for those unable to do so themselves.
Legal
Adult Protective Services (512-438-4800; 800-252-5400)
Provides information on and investigates the financial exploitation of older Texans, as well as allegations of elder abuse or neglect.
Legal Services Center (800-622-2520)
Offers free or low-cost noncriminal legal advice to older Texans.
Health
Health and Human Services Commission (855-937-2372)
Manages resources for older adults, people with disabilities
and caregivers. It also operates the state’s Medicaid program and offers information related to federal and state support program eligibility.
Health Information Counseling & Advocacy Program of Texas (800-252-3439)
Offers one-on-one counseling and assistance to Medicare recipients and their families. Helps with obtaining benefits, filing claims and understanding health care options.
Housing and Care Facilities
Long-Term Care Ombudsman (800-252-2412)
Advocates for residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities, helping Texans find facilities near them and access to quality care, as well as to file complaints.
Information and Services
Aging and Disability Resource Center (855-937-2372)
Helps older Texans, people living with disabilities and their caregivers understand and access their long-term care service options.
Area Agency on Aging (800-252-9240)
Offers meal help, benefits counseling, care coordination, legal advice, caregiver support and advocacy to older adults and long- term care residents.
Texas Veterans Commission (512-463-6564; 800-252-8387)
Advocates for and offers legal, employment, health and social services and programs aimed at supporting Texas veterans and their loved ones.
End of Life
Community Healthcare of Texas (800-958-4942)
Provides hospice patients and their families resources to help make better choices regarding serious illness and end-of-life care.
The Hospice of East Texas (903-266-3400; 800-777-9860)
Delivers personalized care that focuses on the relief of symptom burden and enhancing the quality of life for patients facing chronic serious illness.
Visiting Nurse Association of Texas — Hospice Care (214-689-0000)
Provides care that addresses patients’ physical, spiritual, emotional and mental health while also caring for the families of those facing serious or life- limiting illness and loss. Includes links to bereavement support services, community resources and government resources for older adults.