Support Groups and Caregiver Resources
Primary Listings
Al-Anon and Alateen Meetings
Find a local Al-Anon or Alateen meeting by using the map search. Or explore electronic virtual meetings. Support, hope and help to families and friends of alcoholics.
Breast Cancer Hotline: 1-800-977-4121
The national Breast Cancer Hotline number is 1-800-977-4121 (English). This is a free, confidential resource for information about breast cancer and support. It is staffed by trained peer counselors who are breast cancer survivors. Operated by ABCD (After Breast Cancer Diagnosis).
Caregiver Resources – Long-term care at home
Find caregiver resources for long-term care at home, with this guide. Caregiving at Home: A Guide to Community Resources is from the nonprofit Family Caregiver Alliance, National Center on Caregiving (based in San Francisco). Fact sheet, updated 2017.
Caregiving in the US, 2020
Caregiving in the US, 2020 report. A survey in mid-2019 by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP found caregivers average nearly 24 hours a week in caregiving; about 10 hours is the median. Nearly 1/3 (31%) of caregivers use paid help from aides, housekeepers, drivers and others. Recipients who had medium or high-intensity care needs, long-term care needs (average 4.1 to 5.1 years) or age 65+ were more likely to have paid help in addition to their caregiver. Information about caregiver preparation to perform medical or nursing tasks. Detailed report, 2020, 107 pages.
CaringBridge – Free Websites for Your Support Group Editor's Pick
CaringBridge offers free websites for your personal support group. Stay in touch by creating a personalized website at CaringBridge, a nonprofit organization that provides support and helps you connect with family and friends during critical illness, treatment and recovery. Password protected for privacy
Choose a Cancer Support Group (American Cancer Society)
Choose a cancer support group through this tool at the American Cancer Society. Many different types of support groups and survivor networks for cancer are listed. For example, type of cancer, stage, peers, etc. Both online and in-person local groups. The American Cancer Society aims to help consumers with this disease.
Eldercare Locator – Search services for independent living Editor's Pick
Eldercare Locator is a way to search for services supporting senior independent living. US Department of Health and Human Services provides a free public service through the US Administration on Aging, to help seniors and caregivers find resources anywhere in the country. In addition to the website, you may call 1-800-677-1116 on weekdays to speak with someone who can help (English or Spanish). Very easy to use, by putting in your zip code.
Iowa Senior Resources: LifeLong Links
LifeLong Links is a directory of resources for seniors. The directory is sponsored by the Iowa Aging and Disability Resource Centers and its six Area Agencies on Aging. This resource may provide information in finding support services for seniors in each county in Iowa. Services might include assisted living (listed under Long Term Care), meals (see Home-Delivered meals), transportation and driving evaluation, chore services, senior centers, Alzheimer support groups, and other less common services. Consumers may call 1-866-468-7887, or browse the categories online. Calling might be best, as it may be difficult to find key resources in this modified directory, such as Mom’s Meals. Descriptions of the services are limited.
MinnesotaHelp.info – Online Directory of Resources for Seniors & Others Editor's Pick
MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help seniors and others identify resources within Minnesota. Ideal for caregivers. Click on Housing (for help with senior housing, assisted living), Nursing Homes, food and nutrition, assistive technology, transportation, help in your home, and much more. Providers of special diets can be searched here. Can call 800-333-2433 or use the online chat feature Monday-Friday day times.
Patient Rights and Patient Advocacy Resources
Find resources on patient rights and advocacy at MedlinePlus. Topics include Informed Consent, and End of Life Decisions. Mental Health rights and Hospice patient rights are not addressed.
PatientsLikeMe Online support: All conditions
PatientsLikeMe is a huge online resource providing online support communities of patients. Helps patients with health conditions related to COVID-19, ALS, HIV/AIDS, Multiple Sclerosis; Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, OCD, PTSD and other mental health conditions; Fibromyalgia, Parkinson’s Disease, organ transplants, and many more. Search by condition or age and sex. this site is a commercial venture where any person can contribute information, including side effects of prescription drugs. Organization costs are covered by partnerships with pharmaceutical and medical device companies, and others to which the site sells your information. Read the privacy policy. Information is publicly and privately shared.
Resources for Caregivers of Seniors
If you’re a caregiver for a senior, find additional resources here. The Aging Life Care Association (formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers) has compiled an extensive list of resources for seniors and their caregivers. Categories include associations, community/social services, government and care management. Consumers can also search for an Aging Life Care Expert.
Support Groups for Mental Illness Editor's Pick
Find support groups for mental illness and mental health, through NAMI – The National Alliance on Mental Illness. NAMI has a good web site listing and links local NAMI affiliates across the country for people whose lives have been affected by serious mental illness. Has hundreds of local affiliates, both for patient groups, and family support groups.
Tips and Guides – Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
Tips and Guides from the Caregiver Action Network (CAN) offers practical help to Caregivers. It appears they have discontinued practical resources such as choosing a nursing home. Instead, they presume their readers are active caregivers. Caregiver Action Network was formerly National Family Caregivers Association.
Other Helpful Listings
American Lung Association (lung.org)
American Lung Association (lung.org) site includes extensive references for chronic lung disease such as asthma, COPD emphysema and chronic bronchitis, as well as lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia, and other factors, such as smoking, that affect the lungs. Special feature on e-cigarettes and vaping. The organization also maintains a HelpLine staffed by Registered Nurses and Registered Respiratory Therapists to answer your lung health questions at 1-800-LUNGUSA (or 800-548-8252). Or submit a question via online chat to the ALA. Regarding Covid, here’s what the Association says: “The majority of people recover from COVID-19 within a few weeks, but it can be life-threatening. Currently, four COVID-19 vaccines are widely available for everyone 6 months of age and older.” The American Lung Association has also developed a Support Community for Long Covid.
Crystal Meth Anonymous
Crystal Meth Anonymous is a 12 step fellowship (free) program for those in recovery from addiction to crystal meth. Meetings are held all over the country. Find a meeting location through the easy-to-use directory under CMA meetings tab. Listed by State. Directory covers 8 countries in addition to the US.
Find an Aging Life Care Professional
Find an Aging Life Care Professional, formerly called geriatric care manager. This national directory is easy to use, to help consumers and caregivers find an expert to assist in managing their loved one’s care. The Aging Life Care Association (ALCA) was formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers, Inc. Credentials of members listed will vary widely. The credentials of the Advanced Professionals may be the most useful. Not all areas of the US are covered.
Mountain States Genetics Network
Mountain States Genetics Network provides resources for the diagnosis and management of genetic disorders, including an online directory of genetic support groups. Focus is on services in eight states: AZ, CO, MT, NM, NV, TX, UT and WY
Health Conditions, Glossary and Specialty Reports
