10 Tips on the Financial Matters of Caregiving - TIP #7: Use Home- and Community-Based Services
One of the most difficult tasks for caregivers is to find the money to pay for care. It's often like a puzzle with many pieces coming together to finance the overall care.
If you're caregiving for someone at home (in their own home or your home), there are services and supports available through the aging network and other organizations which bring care and help to your loved ones at home or are offered in the local community. These services are called "Home- and Community-Based" services. The services are often available at no cost or at a reduced cost, or on a sliding-fee-scale (the cost is based on the recipient's ability to pay). Some services are based on income (for example if they are provided through Medicaid), but many are not income-based and are available to any older adult or person with a disability.
Home- and community-based services may include:
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Senior centers
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Adult daycares
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Congregate meal sites
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Home-delivered meal programs
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Personal care from a care aide, home health aide, certified caregiver or other qualified professional (dressing, bathing, toileting, eating, transferring to or from a bed or chair, etc.)
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Transportation
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Home repairs and modifications
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Home safety assessments
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Homemaker and chore services
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Information and referral services
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Financial services
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Legal services, such as help preparing a will
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Telephone reassurance
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Caregiver support programs
To find out if any of these services are available, contact the local area agency on aging by going to the Eldercare Locator website or calling 1-800-677-1116. Explain your loved ones' situation and ask if there are any services or programs that might be helpful. Available programs vary from state to state and county to county, so it's a good idea to talk to someone in your loved ones' local area.
(this post was updated 10/8/2026 with the following resources)
AARP also offers state-level caregiver resource guides that provide local programs, caregiver support, and trusted state-specific resources. You can find these guides for each state at AARP.org/CaregiverResourceGuides. Additionally, the AARP Family Caregiving Guide is available as a free download and covers topics such as assessing needs, creating a caregiving plan, managing finances, health, housing, transportation, and end-of-life care.
For broader national support, AARP also maintains a comprehensive list of agencies and organizations that connect family caregivers with services. You can explore those resources at Caregiver Resources: Support and Services or call the AARP caregiver support line at 877-333-5885 for one-on-one assistance.
Take care,
Amy Goyer, AARP Family & Caregiving Expert
Author, Juggling Life, Work and Caregiving