Support Resources

The Nurse Advice Line is a free, health information phone line. You can call to get answers to your health questions 24 hours a day, – 365 days a year. The registered nurses answering the calls have spent a lot of time caring for people. They are ready and eager to help you.

The services listed below are available by calling 1-866-282-6280 or TDD/TTY: 711:

Medical advice
Health information library
Answers to questions about your health
Advice about a sick child
Help with scheduling PCP appointments
Translation services

Sometimes you may not be sure if you need to go to the emergency room (ER). Call the Nurse Advice Line. They can help you decide where to go for care. If you have an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest ER.

Caregiving Glossary

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Center
You can find educational videos created by the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program. These videos cover:
- Sundowning
- Wandering
- Bathing
- Repetition
- Hallucinations
- Refusal to take medications
Alzheimers.gov has material about the diagnosis, training and support for caregivers.
The Family Caregiver Alliance put together a fact sheet to help caregivers understand behaviors typical of those living with dementia.
Home safety tips by the Alzheimer’s Association

Coping with Challenging Behaviors

Dealing with Difficult Behavior fact sheet from the National Caregivers Library
Behavior and Emotions of Aging — Family Caregivers Online
Behavior Management Strategies — Family Caregiver Alliance

Legal topics to consider

Legal Issues — Family Caregivers Online

End of Life

End of Life Issues — Family Caregivers Online

Housing

Housing Options and Long Term Care — Family Caregivers Online

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline — 1-800-273-8255

Crisis Call Center
Compassionate assistance to people in any type of crisis - 1-775-784-8090 or 1-800-273-8255

Friendship Line
A crisis hotline and a warmline for non-urgent calls. This line provides support services such as:

Suicide prevention
Emotional support
Elder abuse prevention and therapy
Well-being checks
Grief support
Information and referrals for older adults or adults with disabilities

Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Support Line — 1-800-272-3900

211 Program
2-1-1 Get Connected. Get Answers.

The 2-1-1 program is a free, private service to help find local resources, including:

Food and nutrition programs
Shelter and housing resources
Utilities support
Disaster relief
Employment
Addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs
Reentry support for ex-offenders
Support groups
Safe help out of an abusive situation

Call 2-1-1 to speak with a service expert in your area.

Caregiver Nation
- Caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias
Smart Patients Caregiver Community
- A partnership between Family Caregiver Alliance and Smart Patients to create an online community for individuals and their caregivers.
Find a nearby support group by calling your local Area Agency on Aging or using the Eldercare Locator
AARP Online Caregiver Community
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Specific: ALZConnected^®
Caregiver Action Network’s Care Community

Caring for someone is rarely easy and can take much of your time. To help care for a loved one, caregivers need to make time to care for themselves.

Keep in mind the tips below to help you take care of yourself:

No one is perfect. You will make mistakes.
Many emotions surface when you are caring for another.
Depression is a common experience while caregiving.
- Think you may be affected by caregiver depression? Read more about Depression —- What it is and What it is Not
Give yourself and your loved one honest expectations.
Use the info and resources available to you.
Know the skills needed to care for your loved one. Be honest about what you can and cannot do.
Learn to say "No."
Take help from others.
Be resilient.
Know your own stress triggers.
For successful coping:
- Eat right
- Exercise
- Sleep