All Caregiver Support Services

    Arizona · Caregiver Support

    Free and Low-Cost Caregiver Support in Arizona

    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 34 verified Arizona 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 Arizona

    National Family Caregiver Support Program — Arizona

    One call connects Arizona family caregivers to free counseling, respite, training, and support groups through their local Area Agency on Aging.

    Arizona Caregiver Coalition — Resource Line

    Free

    Statewide

    Trained volunteers provide compassionate listening, information, local resource referrals, and emotional support for family caregivers Monday through Friday 9am-4pm.

    Also accessible by email at info@azcaregiver.org

    Duet: Partners In Health & Aging — Counseling

    Free

    Maricopa County — Phoenix metro area

    Peer support program pairs seasoned caregivers with those new to caregiving. Connect with community services, ask questions, and receive referrals from Duet staff. CBS nationally featured program.

    Meaning and Hope Institute also provides specialized dementia caregiver support

    Alzheimer's Association — Desert Southwest 24/7 Helpline

    Free

    Statewide — Arizona and Southern Nevada

    Around the clock emotional support, crisis assistance, and resource referrals for dementia caregivers. Available in over 200 languages. Free care consultations also available.

    Desert Southwest Chapter serves all of Arizona and Southern Nevada

    988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

    Free

    Statewide

    Free 24/7 confidential emotional support for caregivers experiencing crisis, distress, or burnout. Available by call or text anytime.

    Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

    211 Arizona

    Free

    Statewide

    Free 24/7 connection to local health and human services including emotional support, crisis intervention, and caregiver resource referrals across Arizona.

    Also available online at 211arizona.org — search by zip code

    Benevilla — Caregiver Support

    Free

    West Valley — Maricopa County

    Peer-to-peer caregiver support groups covering memory care, ambiguous loss and grief, Parkinson's, bereavement, and adult children caregivers. Safe environment for recharging and connecting.

    Also provides adult day services giving caregivers meaningful time off

    Arizona Caregiver Coalition — Lifespan Respite Program

    Free

    Statewide — in partnership with Area Agencies on Aging

    Consumer-directed respite reimbursement program. Caregiver arranges their own respite and is reimbursed. Provider can be friend, neighbor, or professional. Up to 96 hours at adult day centers paid directly.

    Caregiver and care recipient cannot be receiving other federally funded respite simultaneously

    Duet — Respite for Arizona Family Caregivers

    Free

    Maricopa County

    Multiple respite programs including reimbursement for in-home respite, home modifications, assistive technology, social worker/care navigator hiring, caregiver training, and recreational activities.

    Veteran family caregiver respite programs also available — check website for current offerings

    Area Agencies on Aging — Respite Services

    Free

    Statewide — county specific

    Temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities through local AAA network. Available as in-home respite or adult day services. Priority given to caregivers at moderate or high risk.

    Maricopa: 602-264-4357 | Pima: 520-790-7262 | Northern AZ: 877-521-3500 | Southern AZ: 866-495-6735

    See notesVisit website

    Arizona Respite Network

    Free

    Statewide

    Connects caregivers to alternative respite care options including faith-based and community organizations. Funds innovative respite models beyond traditional in-home care.

    Part of the Arizona Caregiver Coalition — call the main resource line for access

    National Respite Locator

    Free

    Statewide — search by Arizona zip code

    Searchable database of nearly 3,000 respite providers. Search by Arizona zip code or county to find local and regional respite options.

    Run by ARCH National Respite Network

    See websiteVisit website

    VA Caregiver Support Program — Respite

    Free

    Statewide — Veterans only

    At least 30 days annual respite care for caregivers of eligible veterans. Phoenix VA Health Care System and Southern Arizona VA Health Care System both offer local caregiver support teams.

    Must be caring for a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare

    Arizona Caregiver Coalition — Education Programs

    Free

    Statewide

    Caregiver classes and trainings including first aid, CPR, and specialized caregiving skills through partner network. Online community calendar lists upcoming workshops statewide.

    Arizona Family Caregiver Action Plan 2025-2028 driving expanded education statewide

    Duet — Meaning and Hope Institute

    Free

    National — based in Phoenix

    Specialized dementia caregiver education and support. Trains and certifies facilitators for Finding Meaning and Hope program. Serves Arizona's approximately 15 million dementia family caregivers.

    Program available through community partners nationwide — contact Duet for Arizona locations

    Alzheimer's Association — Education Programs

    Free

    Statewide

    Free education programs, online courses, and workshops for dementia caregivers. Includes care consultations, legal and financial planning, and early stage programs across Arizona.

    Virtual options available statewide — call helpline to find local programs

    Northern Arizona Council of Governments — FCSP

    Free

    Northern Arizona — Apache, Coconino, Gila, Mohave, Navajo, Yavapai counties

    Free caregiver curriculum based on programming requests and national trends. Covers caregiver decision-making, stress management, and caregiving skills. All services free to the public.

    Part of the National Family Caregiver Support Program — federally funded

    Family Caregiver Alliance — Online Resources

    Free

    National — available to all Arizona caregivers

    Comprehensive library of caregiver education including fact sheets, online programs, and Arizona-specific resource directory. Self-Care for Family Caregivers and Caregiving 101 available free.

    No registration required for most online resources

    AARP Arizona Caregiver Resource Center

    Free

    Statewide

    Free caregiver tools, guides, and education. AARP Care Guide, financial worksheets, and Arizona-specific connections. AARP Dementia Caregiver Guide available by calling 877-333-5885.

    AARP membership not required for most resources

    ALTCS — Self-Directed Attendant Care (SDAC)

    Free

    Statewide

    Arizona Long Term Care System Medicaid program pays family caregivers approximately $14.35-$15.15 per hour (2025-2026 rates). Family members including adult children and spouses can be paid. Up to 40 hours per week.

    Must meet medical and financial eligibility. Call ALTCS toll-free to start application

    AHCCCS Parents as Paid Caregivers Program

    Free

    Statewide

    Permanent program allowing parents to be paid caregivers for their minor children with disabilities enrolled in ALTCS. Made permanent under HB2945 signed April 2025. Up to 40 hours per week.

    Contact ALTCS case manager/support coordinator to discuss eligibility

    VA Caregiver Stipend — PCAFC Program

    Free

    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

    VA Aid and Attendance Pension

    Free

    Statewide — Veterans only

    Up to $3,261 per month for veterans requiring long-term care. Family members can be hired as paid caregivers using Aid and Attendance funds through Veteran Directed Care program.

    Contact Arizona Department of Veterans Services for application assistance

    National Family Caregiver Support Program — Arizona

    Free

    Statewide — through local Area Agencies on Aging

    Federal program providing supplemental services, counseling, training, and limited financial assistance to family caregivers through Arizona's AAA network.

    Access through your local Area Agency on Aging — call DES or local AAA number

    Arizona Caregiver Coalition — Support Groups

    Free

    Statewide

    Partners with organizations offering support groups covering general caregiving, Alzheimer's, autism, and more. Online community calendar lists all groups across the state.

    Groups cover diverse topics and populations — visit www.azcaregiver.org/ for current calendar

    Duet — Caregiver Support Groups

    Free

    Maricopa County — Phoenix metro area

    Virtual and in-person support groups for family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren. Featured on CBS News nationally for impact on caregiver wellbeing.

    Also offers peer support program pairing seasoned caregivers with newcomers

    Alzheimer's Association — Support Groups Arizona

    Free

    Statewide — in person and virtual

    Free caregiver support groups throughout Arizona. Trained facilitators lead groups via phone, video, or in person. ALZConnected free online community available 24/7.

    Call helpline or visit website to find group by zip code

    Benevilla — Peer Caregiver Support Groups

    Free

    West Valley Maricopa County

    Peer-to-peer support groups for caregivers covering memory care, grief, Parkinson's, and bereavement. Safe and welcoming environment to share experiences and receive emotional support.

    Serves West Valley communities including Sun City and surrounding areas

    Pima Council on Aging — Caregiver Support Groups

    Free

    Pima County — Tucson area

    Caregiver support groups in the Tucson area offering safe and welcoming space for caregivers to share experiences, emotions, and receive support from peers.

    Southern Arizona resource — call for current schedule and locations

    AARP Family Caregivers Discussion Group

    Free

    National — available to all Arizona caregivers

    Free online peer community of 25,000+ caregivers active 24/7. Share experiences, practical tips, and emotional support with caregivers across the country.

    AARP membership not required to join the Facebook group

    Frequently Asked Questions — Arizona Caregivers

    Honest answers to what Arizona family caregivers ask most.

    Most free caregiver help in Arizona flows through National Family Caregiver Support Program — Arizona, which works hand-in-hand with the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) and the local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network. Call 602-264-4357 to be connected to your county's AAA or Aging and Disability Resource Center — they provide free caregiver counseling, support groups, respite vouchers, and caregiver education statewide.

    In many cases, yes. The primary pathway is Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS). ALTCS members can choose Agency with Choice or Self-Directed Attendant Care to pay a relative (other than a spouse or legal guardian) as a caregiver. The care recipient must meet Arizona Medicaid's financial and functional eligibility rules. To apply or confirm what's currently available, call 602-264-4357 and ask specifically about Medicaid self-direction or consumer-directed personal-care services.

    Free or low-cost respite in Arizona comes from three main places: (1) National Family Caregiver Support Program — Arizona and your local Area Agency on Aging, which can issue respite vouchers under the National Family Caregiver Support Program — call 602-264-4357; (2) the VA Caregiver Support Program (1-855-260-3274) for caregivers of enrolled veterans; and (3) the ARCH National Respite Locator at archrespite.org, which lists licensed Arizona respite providers by ZIP code.

    Arizona veteran caregivers can access two main VA programs. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) pays a monthly stipend of roughly $1,750–$3,200 for caregivers of post-9/11 and (now expanded) earlier-era veterans with a 70%+ service-connected disability who need help with daily activities. The Program of General Caregiver Support Services offers free training, peer mentoring, and REACH VA stress coaching for caregivers of any era veteran enrolled in VA healthcare. Call the VA Caregiver Support Line at 1-855-260-3274 or visit caregiver.va.gov to apply.

    Yes. The Alzheimer's Association Arizona Chapter runs in-person and virtual support groups across the state and operates a free 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 in English and Spanish. Local Area Agencies on Aging also coordinate dementia-specific groups through Arizona's family caregiver support program — National Family Caregiver Support Program — Arizona can refer you. For broader caregiver support groups (not dementia-specific), the Family Caregiver Alliance and Well Spouse Association also serve Arizona families online.

    Community Legal Services / Southern Arizona Legal Aid is the main free civil legal aid resource for income-eligible Arizona residents. They can help with advance directives, financial and healthcare powers of attorney, guardianship questions, Medicare and Medicaid appeals, and consumer or housing problems facing aging adults. Arizona State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program provides separate free advocacy specifically for residents (and their families) in Arizona nursing homes, assisted living, and other long-term care settings. Many Arizona bar associations also run lawyer-referral services with reduced rates for caregivers and seniors.

    988 is the free, confidential 24/7 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline available to anyone in the U.S., including Arizona family caregivers who feel overwhelmed, isolated, hopeless, or in emotional distress. Call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org. For non-crisis support — finding food, transportation, rent help, or caregiver respite — dial 211 to reach a Arizona-trained United Way navigator who can route you to local programs.

    Arizona's Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) and Area Agency on Aging (AAA) network is the single point of entry for county-level caregiver services. Call 602-264-4357 and you'll be routed to the ADRC or AAA serving your county. They handle benefits screening, options counseling, and direct connections to counseling, respite, training, transportation, and financial-help programs. Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) oversees the network statewide and can also help if a local office is hard to reach.

    Save these Arizona resources to your free care plan

    Your care plan keeps every Arizona 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.