General resources
Resources to help caregivers take care of themselves:
- Where to get started
- Take a self-assessment to determine your own health risks from the National Alliance for Caregiving
- Review tools and techniques for taking your own needs provided by Family Caregiver Alliance
- Tips for taking care of yourself
- Caregiver toolbox and Help Desk from the Caregiver Action Network
- From the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- A handbook and other resources from the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
- Create your own care community with Lotsa Helping Hands
Caring for parents or spouses
Resources available specifically for caregivers of parents or adults:
- Search the National Alliance on Mental Illness for a nearby Family Support Group
- Younger caregivers can visit the American Association of Caregiving Youth
- Find services for older adults with the Eldercare Locator
Caring for children
Resources for caregivers of children:
- Resources for caregivers of different populations and age groups from the American Psychological Association
- Information about children struggling with emotional problems from the ARCH National Respite Network
Condition-specific resources
Resources for caregivers of people with specific conditions, including those with multiple health conditions:
- A program for friends and family members of people with behavioral health conditions from the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
- For caregivers of people with cancer, check out these resources from the American Cancer Society
- For specialized support groups, visit Mental Health America
Remembering to care for yourself
Caregiving is both noble and very stressful work. It may take a lot of time and pull attention away from other areas of your life. One of the most important things you can do as the caregiver of someone struggling with a behavioral health or medical condition is to take care of your own physical and emotional health.
There are many resources and support groups for caregivers. Some sites even have specific groups for caregivers of parents, children, or spouses. Other sites have groups for caregivers caring for those with particular medical or behavioral conditions.
