You may not think of yourself as a family caregiver, but if you are helping someone with daily activities like getting dressed, managing medications, and transportation to and from appointments, then you are a caregiver. Today, more than 1 in 5 Americans are caring for a family member or close friend. While it is often one of the most important roles you may play, it can also be incredibly stressful and, at times, overwhelming.
No matter where you are in your caregiving journey—starting to plan; taking care of a family member in the 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. It’s why AARP and United Way have teamed up to offer tailored family caregiving support.
This spring, United Way of Greater Kansas City’s 211 joined other 211s across the country in expanding support for family caregivers. You are not alone, and help is available. In the first month of the program, United Way 211 identified 839 family caregivers calling in for services who were provided more than 2,498 service referrals, including more than 200 AARP family caregiver resources such as guides, toolkits, and support services.
The AARP Family Caregiver Program is a free service available simply by dialing 2-1-1, where you’ll be connected with trained, compassionate community resource navigators in your community who can find AARP caregiving resources and local organizations to address your specific needs.
To be connected with help, just call 2-1-1 anytime- 24 hours a day, seven days a week and ask about AARP family caregiving resources. Additional information is available here. Â