Best Resources for Aging Parents and Family Caregivers

You may be caring for an aging parent while raising children, working full-time, or managing your own health. Unfortunately, this is a common occurrence. You did not train for this role, and no one handed you a roadmap. You did not train for this role, and no one handed you a roadmap. Yet about 63 million Americans now provide unpaid care for aging parents, spouses, or other loved ones, often while balancing jobs, children, and their own health.

For many Hispanic families, getting healthcare and extended care for a loved one can be even more complicated. Language barriers, limited access to affordable Long-Term Care Insurance, and strong cultural expectations to “handle it within the family” often add pressure. Still, you do not have to do this alone. Reliable help exists if you know where to look.

Getting Medical Care That Works

As your loved one ages, routine medical care becomes critical. Chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, or memory loss do not pause, even when caregiving feels overwhelming.

For Hispanic families, health care can feel impossible when you're dealing with high costs and language barriers. Community health centers can help. These clinics provide primary care regardless of insurance status and adjust fees based on income. Some families pay a modest co-pay, while others pay nothing.

You can locate nearby centers through the Health Resources and Services Administration, which maintains a searchable database by ZIP code.

Once your loved one turns 65, Medicare becomes the primary insurer.

• Part A covers hospital stays.
• Part B covers physician visits and outpatient care.

RELATED: Medicare and You Handbook 2026

If income and assets are limited, Medicaid may also apply. In some states, Medicare and Medicaid work together, helping cover medications, long-term services, and extended care.

Remember, health insurance and Medicare only pay for short-term skilled care. Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for extended care, as well as Medicaid, for those with limited financial resources.

Covering the Cost of Care

Care costs add up quickly. In many parts of the country, in-home care averages around $30 an hour, while nursing home care can exceed $11,000 a month. Assisted living and memory care costs are less than those of nursing homes, but usually more expensive than most in-home care. Without planning, these expenses can drain savings and create family stress.

You may have access to financial assistance, including:

• Medicaid long-term care programs:
• Each state runs Medicaid differently. Most cover nursing home care, and some offer home- and community-based services. Eligibility depends on income and assets.
• Veterans benefits:
• Eligible wartime veterans and surviving spouses may qualify for Aid and Attendance, a monthly benefit for those needing help with daily activities.
• State-paid family caregiver programs:
• Some states allow family members to be paid as caregivers under Medicaid waiver programs.

The Administration for Community Living provides a state-by-state overview of available programs and eligibility requirements.

Learning the Skills Caregiving Requires

Most caregivers learn through trial and error. That can be risky. Safe lifting, medication management, and recognizing medical warning signs require training.

Your local Area Agency on Aging is another essential resource. These agencies provide:

• Caregiver workshops
• Meal delivery programs
• Transportation services
• Help understanding benefits

You can find your local agency through the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116.

The LTC News Caregiver Directory has the largest database of caregivers and long-term care facilities that you can search based on zip code.

Claim your free listing on the LTC News Caregiver Directory and/or upgrade the listing to enhance visibility and highlight your staff and services through the LTC News Directory Business Portal.  

Hospital social workers are also critical allies. Before discharge, ask to speak with one. They can arrange home care, explain insurance coverage, and connect you with equipment rentals and community services.

Building Emotional and Practical Support

Caregiving can become isolating. Social time disappears. Exhaustion builds. Without support, burnout and depression become real risks.

Support can come from many places:

• Alzheimer’s and dementia support groups: The Alzheimer's Association offers groups nationwide, including Spanish-language options.
• Faith-based communities: Many churches, temples, and mosques provide volunteer respite care, meal programs, or adult day services.
• Respite care services: Adult day centers and short-term facility stays give caregivers essential breaks.
• Online caregiver communities: Virtual groups provide connection when leaving home is difficult.

Talking with someone who understands your situation can make a measurable difference.

Getting Legal Documents in Place

Legal planning protects both you and your loved one. These documents should be completed early, while your relative can still make decisions.

Key documents include:

• Financial power of attorney to manage bills and insurance
• Health care power of attorney to make medical decisions
• Advance directives outlining treatment preferences
• HIPAA authorization so doctors can share information with you

Without these documents, families often face court involvement, delays, and significant legal expenses.

Creating a Caregiving Plan That Works

Good caregiving starts with an honest assessment. List what your loved one can still do independently and where help is needed now, not just later.

Next steps:

• Contact your Area Agency on Aging this week.
• Schedule a benefits review with a knowledgeable professional.
• Gather financial and medical records.
• Connect with at least one other caregiver for regular support.

You cannot provide quality care if you are exhausted or overwhelmed. Caring for yourself is not selfish. It is essential.

If a loved one has a Long-Term Care Insurance policy, be sure to use the benefits as soon as they become eligible. Need help filing a claim? LTC News partners with Amada Senior Care to provide free claim support with no cost or obligation. Their trained experts can walk you through the entire process and help you access benefits quickly and correctly — File a Long-Term Care Insurance Claim.

LTC Insurance is not appropriate if you or a loved one has limited financial resources. However, many insurance companies offer long-term care solutions that are affordable for many people, especially if you have not yet retired.

RELATED: Compare Long-Term Care Insurance Companies and Products

Be sure to speak with a qualified specialist in long-term care planning to obtain accurate LTC insurance quotes. Some specialists speak Spanish and other languages for those who would prefer having a conversation in a language other than English.

A Final Thought

If you are navigating caregiving while managing work, family, and finances, planning matters. Understanding care options, support services, and long-term care strategies can protect both your loved one’s quality of life and your own future.

No dude en buscar ayuda y apoyo cuando un familiar mayor necesita cuidados a largo plazo o cuando está planificando su propio futuro.