Family Caregiver Resources for Alabama

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.

General Resources

• Supporting Family Caregivers in Your State
  
  • AARP has a website dedicated to providing you with information about how we’re advocating for caregivers in your state.

• 2-1-1 Connects Alabama (2-1-1, 888-421-1266 toll-free)
  
  • 2-1-1 is a free, easy to remember number to dial for information and referral across the spectrum of human need, including but not limited to rental assistance, food pantries, affordable housing, health resources, transportation, caregiver support, financial programs, literacy, and job programs.

• Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) (800-AGE-LINE , 800-243-5463)
  
  • ADSS administers statewide programs on aging that cover all 67 counties through the Regional Planning Commissions and the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). Each of the AAAs provides comprehensive services through contracts and grants to a wide variety of local agencies, both public and private.

Health Resources

• Alabama Department of Public Health (800-ALA-1818)
  
  • The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) is the primary state health agency for the state of Alabama.

• Alabama SenioRx Program (800-AGE-LINE , 800-243-5463)
  
  • SenioRx is a program that offers free or low-cost prescription drugs for Alabamians who are age 55 and older and for persons with disabilities who are diagnosed with chronic health conditions requiring daily medication.

• Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) (800-AGE-LINE , 800-243-5463)
  
  • The ADRC provides benefits screening, education, and options counseling on long-term care services and supports for older adults, people with disabilities, and their caregivers.

• Alabama Department of Insurance (334-269-3550)
  
  • The Department of Insurance includes a shopper’s guide for health insurance for senior citizens, with information about Medicare supplement insurance and long-term care insurance information.

Home- and Community-Based Resources

• Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network (866-737-8252 toll-free)
  
  • The statewide program includes voucher respite reimbursement services, free caregiver education, training, respite resource information and referrals for caregivers.

• Alabama Dementia (800-AGE-LINE, 800-243-5463)
  
  • Alabama Dementia is a resource for Alabama seniors with memory loss and their caregivers.

• Alabama Cares Program (800-AGE-LINE, 800-243-5463)
  
  • A program for caregivers that provides education, respite, assistance and supplemental services.

Financial Resources

• AARP Foundation’s Benefits QuickLINK
  
  • Find public benefits that can help you pay for food, medicine, health care, utilities and more by using AARP Foundation’s Benefits QuickLINK tools.

• Alabama Family Trust (844-238-4630 toll-free)
  
  • The Alabama Family Trust (Alabama Family Trust Statute) provides for the establishment of a special needs trust that disburses funds to supplement the care, support and treatment of a disabled person or beneficiary in a way that complements any governmental entitlements like Social Security or Medicaid.

Legal Resources

• Alabama Department of Human Resources (334-242-1350, 800-458-7214)
  
  • The Adult Protective Services Division supports and enables County Departments to protect elderly and disabled adults from abuse, neglect and exploitation, and prevent unnecessary institutionalization.

• Legal Services of Alabama (LSA) (866-456-4995 toll-free)
  
  • LSA provides civil legal assistance to low-income Alabamians. The legal staff can help with a range of issues, including problems with public benefits (SNAP and Social Security), housing issues and domestic violence.

• Alabama Legal Help (866-456-4995 toll-free)
  
  • Provides senior legal services and information on advanced directives, wills, powers of attorney and health care issues.

Workplace/Employer Resources

• Supporting Caregivers in the Workplace
  
  • AARP offers valuable resources to help employers create a caregiver- friendly workplace.

Specific Audience Resources

• AARP Caregiving Guides
  
  • AARP offers free caregiving guides for specific audiences, including guides for military families and LGBT individuals. The guides, also offered in Spanish and Chinese, are designed to help develop and implement a caregiving plan.

• Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs (334-242-5077)
  
  • Provides resources and information for veterans and their caregivers.

Care for Caregivers

• Community Connections
  
  • AARP Community Connections is a new website that offers steps to get or give help. You can organize online mutual aid groups to stay connected, share ideas and support those in need.

• Create the Good
  
  • Create the Good connects people with volunteer opportunities and project ideas to share your life experiences, skills and passions in your community.

AARP Resources for Family Caregivers

• AARP Family Caregiving Website (en español: aarp.org/cuidar)
  
  • AARP’s Family Caregiving website is your one-stop shop for tips and tools to help you care for a loved one. It has valuable information about handling medical issues, health records and advance directives, home safety, financial and legal issues, caregiver life balance and much more.

• AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line (877-333-5885 toll-free, en español: 888-971-2013 toll-free)
  
  • Connect with a real person and learn how to access local resources via our toll-free family caregiving hotline.

• AARP Family Caregivers Facebook Group
  
  • Join the AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group on Facebook to connect, ask questions and share ideas with other family caregivers.

• Community Resource Finder
  
  • Community Resource Finder, a joint service from the Alzheimer’s Association and AARP, is a database of dementia- and aging-related resources powered by Carelike. The online tool makes it easy to find local programs and services.

• I Heart Caregivers
  
  • Join the thousands of family caregivers who have shared their experiences through AARP’s storytelling initiative, I Heart Caregivers. Your story will help AARP continue to fight for more support for family caregivers.

• AARP Online Caregiving Community
  
  • Join our community and connect with other caregivers like you.

• AARP HomeFit Guide
  
  • The AARP HomeFit Guide can help individuals and families make their current or future residence age-friendly. It can also help elected officials, policymakers and local leaders learn about and advocate for the types of housing features and designs that communities need so that their residents can live safely and comfortably and thrive.

• National Resources for Family Caregivers
  
  • A listing of national agencies, groups and organizations that can connect family caregivers with direct services and supports.

If you have thoughts about how AARP can improve this resource guide, we invite you to go to aarp.org/preparetocaresurvey (en español: aarp.org/encuestacuidador).