CALL CENTER: 800-339-4661
Caregiver Support
Note, this information is subject to change. Be sure to check back regularly.
Aging & Independence Services
If you regularly aid an older relative to maintain their quality of life, you are a caregiver. Visit the Families/Caregivers webpage or call the AIS Call Center (800-339-4661) for programs that are specifically to support families and caregivers. If you are looking for services for your loved one, visit the Older Adults webpage.
Caregiver Coalition
The Caregiver Coalition provides free information and limited services, with referrals to other services as needed. Among Caregiver Coalition resources is the Caregiver Handbook (available in multiple languages), with chapters on transportation, medical equipment, in-home care options, medication management, and other frequent challenges for new and experienced caregivers. It also has advice on dealing with dementia and mental health issues, along with palliative and hospice care.
Partial lists of resources highlighted in the Caregiver Handbook:
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Local Non-Profit Agencies
The following local, non-profit agencies provide resources and support to older adults and/or caregivers. These are a few of the organizations that can be helpful.
Alzheimer’s Association, San Diego/Imperial Chapter
(800) 272-3900 | www.alz.org/sandiego
The local chapter of the national Alzheimer’s Association offers services such as: educational programs, a Helpline that operates 24 hours a day/7 days a week, resource information, a monthly telephone caregiver support group, and online community message boards.
Alzheimer’s San Diego
(858) 492-4400 | www.alzsd.org
Alzheimer’s San Diego offers a variety of innovative programs and services, including: classes and workshops for caregivers, support and discussion groups, resource information, guidance from professional dementia experts, social activities, and respite care.
Caregiver Coalition of San Diego
The Caregiver Coalition offers support, education, and advocacy to families who are caring for their loved ones. The Coalition is made up of a diverse group of agencies, both non-profit and for-profit, that serve families. Visit the website to access information, resources, and upcoming events for caregivers.
Elder Law & Advocacy
(858) 565-1392 | www.seniorlaw-sd.org
Elder Law & Advocacy provides free legal assistance to residents of San Diego who are over the age of 60 or care for someone who is over 60. In addition, their Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) provides unbiased, impartial information and counseling regarding Medicare.
ElderHelp
(619) 284-9281 | www.elderhelpofsandiego.org
ElderHelp provides webinars and online courses for family caregivers, in addition to services for older adults such as care coordination, transportation, and a home sharing program.
Interfaith Community Services
(760) 489-6380 | www.interfaithservices.org
Interfaith Community Services provides services to keep older adults who live in Escondido, Oceanside, and surrounding communities in the North County living safely in their own homes for as long as possible.
Jewish Family Service of San Diego
(858) 637-3040 | www.jfssd.org
Call the JFS Older Adult HelpLine to get support and information on services for older adults. Jewish Family Service’s Balboa Avenue Older Adult Center offers a safe haven for older adults living with Mild Cognitive Impairment, including early stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, to enjoy a half-day of activities and socialization.
Sharp Senior Resource Centers
(619) 740-4214 | www.sharp.com/services/seniors/resource-centers.cfm
Older adults and caregivers can access information, resources, health screenings, and free health education and caregiver classes through the Sharp Senior Resource Centers. The Centers are free to the public.
Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC)
(800) 827-1008 | www.caregivercenter.org
SCRC provides no-cost services to family caregivers, including: family consultation/case management services, short-term counseling, legal/financial consultations, education and training, support groups, and respite care.
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Caregiver Websites
San Diego Eldercare Directory | www.sandiegoeldercare.com
This free guide to independent living, long-term care, and resources for older adults and caregivers is published annually by the San Diego Union-Tribune. It includes non-profit resources, as well as for-profit businesses specializing in services for older adults. To obtain a printed copy, call (619) 293-1680.
San Diego Union-Tribune Caregiving Site | www.caregiversd.com
The San Diego Union-Tribune compiles caregiving-related articles, local resources, and advice on topics such as caregiving essentials, getting help, dementia care, staying healthy, and financial matters.
AARP® Caregiving Resource Center | www.aarp.org/caregiving
Here you will find many tips, tools, and resources for family caregivers including downloadable guides such as the Prepare to Care Guide, Caregiving Basics, Care at Home, Financial and Legal, and Caregiving Life Balance.
AARP® Caregiving Tool | www.aarp.org/caregivingtools
This site provides a variety of free, web-based tools that will help you find services, keep track of health records, access templates for legal documents, and more.
Caregiver Coalition of San Diego | www.caregivercoalitionsd.org
The Caregiver Coalition website provides family caregivers with information, resources, and upcoming local events for caregivers.
Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA) | www.caregiver.org
This national organization aims to improve the quality of life of caregivers and those they care for through information, services, and advocacy. Their website provides information on a wide variety of caregiving topics (assistive technology, diversity & cultural issues, long-distance caregiving) and health-related topics (dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, traumatic brain injury).
Veterans Administration (VA) Caregiving Support | https://www.sandiego.va.gov/services/caregiver/index.asp
The VA offers services and support to caregivers of veterans. Visit their website to learn about special programs, such as those for family caregivers who are caring for veterans who were injured post-9/11. There is also a special caregiver support line (855) 260-3274 to assist with linking caregivers and veterans to services.
Other Resources:
- COVID-19: If You Are Sick or Caring for Someone – CDC
- Care Plans Help Both Older Adults and Caregivers – CDC