Alabama · Caregiver Support
Caring for an aging loved one is one of the hardest jobs there is — and you shouldn't have to do it alone. Below are 33 verified Alabama programs offering emotional support, respite, training, financial help, peer groups, and legal planning — most of them completely free.
Last updated July 2026
Start here in Alabama
Alabama CARES (via Alabama Department of Senior Services)
One call connects Alabama family caregivers to free counseling, respite, training, and support groups through their local Area Agency on Aging.
Statewide — through local Area Agencies on Aging
Free counseling and guidance for family caregivers making decisions and solving problems related to their caregiving role. Individual and group options available.
Call 1-800-AGE-LINE to connect to your local AAA
Statewide
Mental health guidance and self-care resources for caregivers. Includes support group finder and educational resources specifically for dementia caregivers.
Includes Spanish language resources
Statewide
Free 24/7 confidential emotional support for caregivers in distress or crisis. Available by call or text.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Statewide
Free 24/7 connection to local health and human services including emotional support, crisis intervention, and caregiver resources.
Search by zip code for local resources
Statewide
Around the clock support for dementia caregivers. Staffed by specialists who understand the unique emotional burden of dementia caregiving.
Available in multiple languages including Spanish
Southeast Alabama — virtual access statewide
Virtual dementia caregiver support group meeting Thursdays at 10:30am on Zoom. Open to all dementia caregivers statewide.
Email katie@fumcdothan.org to join the virtual group
Statewide — through local Area Agencies on Aging
Temporary substitute support for care recipients to give caregivers a break. Includes personal care, homemaker services, adult day care, and skilled or unskilled in-home services.
Priority given to caregivers with greatest burden and highest need. Call 1-800-AGE-LINE
Statewide
Voucher respite reimbursement services, free caregiver education, training, and respite resource information and referrals for caregivers across Alabama.
Voucher program helps cover cost of respite care for qualifying families
Statewide — 13 ADRCs across Alabama
Respite care access through the One Door Alabama system. Benefits screening and options counseling on respite services available in your county.
Single point of entry for all caregiver services — call 1-800-AGE-LINE
West Alabama — Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties
In-home respite care, adult day services through Caring Days Adult Daycare. Provides caregivers meaningful time away from caregiving responsibilities.
Also serves as access point for Alabama CARES program in West Alabama
Statewide — search by Alabama zip code
Searchable database of nearly 3,000 respite service providers. Search by zip code to find local Alabama respite options.
Run by ARCH National Respite Network
Statewide — Veterans only
At least 30 days of annual respite care for caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in VA healthcare. Part of the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers.
Must be caring for a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare
Statewide
Free Caregiver Colleges, E-Newsletters, and written educational resources throughout the year. Training on caregiving skills, health, nutrition, and financial literacy.
Caregiver Colleges held throughout the year statewide
Southeast Alabama
Virtual Dementia Tour certified training, UCLA dementia caregiver training (also available in Spanish), and free NADRC webinar compendium covering dementia care topics.
Includes Spanish language training — Capacitación para cuidadores de UCLA
Statewide
Free education programs, online courses, and workshops for dementia caregivers. Includes care consultations, legal and financial planning resources, and early stage programs.
Find local programs and support groups at www.alz.org/
National — available to all Alabama caregivers
Comprehensive library of caregiver education including fact sheets, online programs, and self-care guidance. Alabama-specific resource directory.
Best Programs for Caregiving tool helps find evidence-based programs
Statewide
Free caregiver tools, guides, and education. AARP Care Guide, financial worksheets, and connection to local Alabama caregiver resources.
AARP membership not required for most resources
Statewide — Veterans only
Skills training, coaching, peer support mentoring, online programs, and REACH VA stress management coaching for caregivers of all era veterans enrolled in VA healthcare.
No formal application required — contact local VA facility CSP team
Statewide
Home and community based services to help older adults stay out of nursing home placement. Personal Choices option allows care receivers to hire relatives or friends as paid caregivers.
Must meet Medicaid eligibility requirements. Personal Choices = consumer directed option
Statewide — Veterans only
Monthly stipend ranging from approximately $1,750 to $3,200 for caregivers of eligible veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Also includes CHAMPVA health insurance.
Must be caring for veteran with 70%+ service-connected disability rating
Statewide — Veterans only
Cash benefit for veterans and surviving spouses requiring long-term care. Family members including adult children can be paid to provide care using Aid and Attendance funds.
Contact Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs for application assistance
Statewide — through local Area Agencies on Aging
Federal program providing supplemental services, counseling, training, and limited financial assistance specifically to family caregivers across Alabama.
Call 1-800-AGE-LINE to connect to your local Area Agency on Aging
Statewide
Establishes special needs trusts that disburse funds to supplement care without affecting government benefits like Social Security or Medicaid. Helps families plan financially for disabled loved ones.
Fee-based trust management service — contact for current pricing
Statewide — through local AAAs
Caregiver support groups establishing mutual support systems for caregivers to discuss experiences and concerns. Available throughout all 67 counties through local AAAs.
Call 1-800-AGE-LINE to find a support group near you
Statewide — in-person and virtual options
In-person and virtual support groups across Alabama for dementia caregivers. Find a group by zip code. Also includes early stage support groups.
Groups meet regularly — check www.alz.org/ for current schedule
Southeast Alabama — virtual access statewide
Free virtual support group for dementia caregivers meeting Thursdays at 10:30am on Zoom. Open to all dementia caregivers regardless of location.
Email katie@fumcdothan.org to join
West Alabama — Tuscaloosa and surrounding counties
Multiple caregiver support groups including Alzheimer Support Group, Amazing Caregiver Support Group, Caring Hearts, Caregiver Cafe Lunch and Learn, and Parkinson's Support Group.
Groups meet monthly — contact for current schedule and locations
National — available to all Alabama caregivers
Free online peer community of 25,000+ caregivers. Active 24/7 community sharing experiences, advice, and support. Raw, real conversations from caregivers of all backgrounds.
AARP membership not required to join the Facebook group
Statewide
Free civil legal assistance to low-income Alabamians including help with Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, housing, and advanced directives. Specifically serves caregivers and seniors.
Income eligibility requirements apply
Statewide
Free information, counseling, and access to programs through the Alabama Department of Senior Services. Single point of entry for legal guidance, benefits, and caregiver planning.
No wrong door — connects caregivers to all state and federal programs
Statewide — 61 county service offices
Free benefits counseling and claims assistance for veteran caregivers. Helps navigate VA benefits including Aid and Attendance, PCAFC stipends, and healthcare options.
Service offices in 61 of 67 Alabama counties
Statewide
Free advocacy for caregivers dealing with nursing home or assisted living concerns. Investigates complaints and protects caregiver and care recipient rights.
Accessed through Alabama Department of Senior Services — call 1-800-AGE-LINE
National — available to all Alabama caregivers
Online legal planning resources for caregivers covering powers of attorney, advance directives, guardianship, and financial planning. Alabama-specific guidance available.
Free online resources — no registration required
Honest answers to what Alabama family caregivers ask most.
Your care plan keeps every Alabama caregiver resource — phone numbers, eligibility, and next steps — in one calm, organized place.
Always free — no credit card required.
Source: LTCareNav.com research, updated on July 2026. Programs, phone numbers, and eligibility rules change frequently — please verify contact information directly with each organization before referral. This page is informational and not legal, medical, or financial advice.