Family Caregiver Resources for Idaho

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.
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 Idaho
  
  • AARP has a website dedicated to providing you with information about how we’re advocating for caregivers in Idaho.

• 2-1-1 Idaho CareLine (2-1-1)
  
  • A free, statewide community information and referral service that is a program of the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. You can locate local caregiver support services, respite care, transportation, housing options and other local resources. Dial 2-1-1 to connect to an information and referral specialist.

• Area Agencies on Aging
  
  • Six agencies throughout the state offer services such as Adult Protective Services, caregiver support, in-home support services, respite care, legal assistance, housing, meals and the Senior Medicare Patrol. Some services have age, income and other eligibility requirements.
  • Regional contacts:
    
    • Eastern Idaho: 208-522-5391 or 800-632-4813 toll-free
    • North Central Idaho: 208-743-5580 or 800-877-3206 toll-free
    • Northern Idaho: 208-667-3179 or 800-786-5536 toll-free
    • South Central Idaho: 208-736-2122 or 800-5748656 toll-free
    • Southeast Idaho: 208-233-4032 or 800-526-8129 toll-free
    • Southwest: 208-898-7060 or 844-850-2883 toll-free

• Live Better Idaho (info@livebetteridaho.org)
  
  • Live Better Idaho connects people to programs provided by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and other organizations. Locate information on financial benefits, health care, food and nutrition, veterans services, behavioral health, and work and education.

Health Resources

• Senior Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) 800-247-4422 toll-free | idahoshiba@doi.idaho.gov
  
  • The SHIBA program provides free, unbiased Medicare benefits information and assistance for all Idahoans with Medicare through a statewide network of regional offices, partner organizations and certified volunteers. The Medicare counseling, workshops and presentations are available by phone, via internet webinars, and in communities across Idaho.

• Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (877-456-1233 toll-free)
  
  • The Department of Health & Welfare provides programs that foster a healthful and independent quality of life for Idaho citizens. Apply for benefits such as Medicaid, food assistance, and home- and community-based services such as assisted living and home care, and long-term care service options.

• Your Health Idaho (YHI)
  
  • Your Health Idaho is an online marketplace for Idaho families and small businesses to shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage. YHI is overseen by a board of Idahoans that includes insurance agents, physicians, business owners, legislators and nonprofit representatives.

• Medicare Nursing Home Compare
  
  • Nursing Home Compare has a searchable database of every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.

Home- and Community-Based Services

• Idaho Caregiver Alliance
  
  • The Idaho Caregiver Alliance is a group of individuals and organizations focused on improving access to quality caregiver supports, resources and expanding opportunities for respite for all ages. Activities include advocacy for caregivers at the state level, a monthly newsletter, workshops and events such as the annual Family Caregiver Conference.

• Family Caregiver Navigator (208-426-5899)
  
  • Family Caregiver Navigator provides free support, options counseling and resource referrals to unpaid family caregivers in SW Idaho by telephone. Following a research-based assessment, the Navigator generates a care plan to connect caregivers with critical support services.

• Idaho Commission on Aging (ICOA) (2-1-1 | 208-334-3833 toll-free | ICOA@aging.idaho.gov)
  
  • The ICOA offers help and information for older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain independent and age in place in their own home and community. The organization is working to enhance information about and access to respite options and training. A list of respite care options is available on their website. P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720

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.

• Idaho State Tax Commission Property Tax Reduction Programs (PTR) (208-334-7760 | 800-972-7660 toll-free)
  
  • Qualified Idaho homeowners may be eligible for property tax reduction (PTR), which could reduce such taxes by $150 to $1,320 on your home and up to one acre of land. The program is administered by the tax commission and county assessors. Visit the website for program guidelines and instructions on how to file.

Legal Resources

• Idaho State Bar (208-334-4500)
  
  • The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is a public service of the Idaho State Bar. LRS attorneys provide their clients with a free initial consultation (up to 30 minutes) and provide a $35 referral fee unless the case is personal injury, medical malpractice or workers’ compensation (these are referred for free).

• Idaho Legal Aid (208-746-7541)
  
  • Idaho Legal Aid provides limited elder law legal services for those meeting eligibility requirements. Elder law involves issues that affect seniors, such as discrimination, guardianship, health benefits, long term health care, nursing home issues, power of attorney, probate and Social Security benefits.

Workplace/Employer Resources

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

Transportation Services

• Area Agencies on Aging
  
  • Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to locate services designed to transport seniors to and from locations for medical and health care services, senior centers and meal programs, employment locations, shopping and community functions and social service agencies.
  • Regional contacts:
    
    • Eastern Idaho: 208-522-5391 or 800-632-4813 toll-free
    • North Central Idaho: 208-743-5580 or 800-877-3206 toll-free
    • Northern Idaho: 208-667-3179 or 800-786-5536 toll-free
    • South Central Idaho 208-736-2122 or 800-574-8656 toll-free
    • Southeast Idaho: 208-233-4032 or 800-526-8129 toll-free
    • Southwest Idaho 208-898-7060 or 844-850-2883 toll-free

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.

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).