Florida · 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 30 verified Florida 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 Florida
National Family Caregiver Support Program — Respite
One call connects Florida family caregivers to free counseling, respite, training, and support groups through their local Area Agency on Aging.
Statewide — through 11 regional ADRCs
Florida's primary caregiver entry point. Connects callers to local Aging and Disability Resource Centers for counseling, support, and all caregiver services statewide. Available in multiple languages.
1-800-96-ELDER. No wrong door — gateway to all state caregiver programs across all 67 counties
Statewide — 3 Florida chapters: Central/North FL, SE FL, and Gulf Coast
Around the clock emotional support, crisis assistance, and care consultations for dementia caregivers. 1 in 8 Florida seniors 65+ has Alzheimer's — over 840,000 caregivers in the state.
Available in over 200 languages. Florida has 3 chapters covering all 67 counties
Central Florida — Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia counties
Independent nonprofit offering free caregiver support, counseling, support groups, and care navigation for Central Florida dementia caregivers. Distinguished from the state ADRC network by name only.
Not affiliated with state ADRCs despite similar name — serves Central Florida exclusively
Statewide
Free 24/7 confidential emotional support for caregivers experiencing burnout, distress, or crisis. Available by call or text anytime.
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 resource referrals. Available in multiple languages across all 67 Florida counties.
Call, text, or search online — multilingual specialists available statewide
Statewide — through 11 Area Agencies on Aging
In-home respite expanding availability beyond standard programs, including evening and weekend hours. Specifically designed to increase flexibility for caregivers who work or have non-traditional schedules.
Access through Elder Helpline — connects to local AAA for RELIEF program enrollment
Statewide — through 11 Area Agencies on Aging
In-home, adult day care, emergency, and extended (up to 30 days) respite for caregivers of individuals with memory disorders. Florida's dedicated Alzheimer's caregiver respite program administered by Elder Affairs.
Floridians of any age with a memory disorder are eligible — call Elder Helpline to access
Statewide — through 11 Area Agencies on Aging
Respite care and supplemental services for qualifying family caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's. Includes in-home respite and adult day care. Access through local AAA.
Contact Elder Helpline or local AAA to apply — services vary by region
Statewide — search by Florida zip code
Searchable database of nearly 3,000 respite providers. Search by Florida zip code to find local and regional respite options beyond state programs.
Run by ARCH National Respite Network
Statewide — Veterans only
At least 30 days annual respite for caregivers of eligible veterans. Florida has multiple VA medical centers including Bay Pines, Gainesville, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, and West Palm Beach.
Must be caring for a veteran enrolled in VA healthcare — over 1.5 million veterans in Florida
Statewide — 3 Florida chapters
Free education programs, online courses, and workshops for dementia caregivers across all 67 Florida counties. ALZ Talks webinars, care consultations, and Memory Disorder Clinics available statewide.
Virtual options available statewide — call helpline or visit chapter website for local programs
Statewide — multiple clinic locations
Free diagnostic evaluations for Floridians suspected of having a memory disorder. Clinics also provide caregiver education and connection to support services. Floridians of any age are eligible.
Contact Elder Helpline to find nearest Memory Disorder Clinic — part of ADI program
Statewide — through Area Agencies on Aging
Evidence-based six-session self-care education workshop helping caregivers manage stress, communicate more effectively, and take better care of themselves. Offered through multiple Florida AAAs.
Free six-week workshop — contact your local AAA through Elder Helpline for current schedule
Statewide — online and in person
Florida State University program providing resources and education for care partners of individuals with dementia. Evidence-based caregiver training covering stress management and caregiving techniques.
Online resources available statewide — contact FSU for in-person program availability
National — available to all Florida caregivers
Comprehensive caregiver education library including fact sheets, online programs, and Florida-specific resource directory. Caregiving 101 and self-care programs available free.
No registration required for most online resources
Statewide
Free caregiver tools, guides, and education. AARP Care Guide, financial worksheets, and Florida-specific connections. Florida has one of the highest concentrations of caregivers of any state.
AARP membership not required for most resources — print guide available by calling 877-333-5885
Statewide
Florida's Medicaid managed care program allowing care recipients to select family members as paid caregivers at minimum $15/hour. Also covers adult day care, caregiver training, and respite. Participant-directed option available.
Care recipient must be Medicaid-eligible. Income limit $2,829/month (single). Contact Elder Helpline to be screened
Statewide — through 11 Area Agencies on Aging
Non-Medicaid state program paying a basic monthly subsidy directly to caregivers of low-income elders 60+ at risk of nursing home placement. Also provides special subsidies for services and supplies.
Not an entitlement — waiting lists may exist. Care recipient income limit $2,829/month. Contact Elder Helpline
Statewide — Veterans only
Monthly stipend for caregivers of eligible veterans with 70%+ service-connected disability. Also includes CHAMPVA health insurance. Florida has 1.5M+ veterans — major resource for the state.
Must be caring for veteran with 70%+ service-connected disability rating
Statewide — through 11 Area Agencies on Aging
Federal program providing supplemental services, counseling, training, and limited financial assistance to family caregivers of adults 60+ or any age with Alzheimer's. Access through local AAA.
Contact Elder Helpline or local AAA — services and funding levels vary by region
Statewide — in person and virtual
Free caregiver support groups throughout Florida facilitated by trained professionals. Three Florida chapters (Central/North, Southeast, Gulf Coast) cover all 67 counties. ALZConnected online 24/7.
Call helpline or visit chapter website to find group by zip code — virtual options available statewide
Central Florida — Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Lake, Volusia counties
Free facilitated caregiver support groups meeting in person and virtually throughout Central Florida. Spanish-language virtual group available. Men-only breakfast group also available.
No reservation required for most groups — virtual options accessible statewide
Statewide — 11 regional ADRCs
Caregiver support groups through Florida's 11 Aging and Disability Resource Centers covering all 67 counties. Groups available for general caregiving and specialized diagnoses including Alzheimer's.
Call Elder Helpline to find groups in your county — schedule varies by ADRC region
National — available to all Florida caregivers including virtual
Free virtual and in-person support groups through AFA's national network. Especially valuable for caregivers in rural Florida counties not well-served by local chapter offices.
Virtual groups accessible to all Florida caregivers regardless of location
National — available to all Florida caregivers
Free online peer community of 25,000+ caregivers active 24/7. Share experiences, practical tips, and emotional support. Especially valuable for Florida's geographically dispersed caregiving population.
AARP membership not required to join the Facebook group
Statewide
Free civil legal advice and brief services over the telephone to Florida residents 60+. Covers advance directives, powers of attorney, elder abuse, Medicaid, housing, and consumer issues.
Phone-based service — no in-person visit required. Open Monday-Friday 9am-5pm EST
Statewide — through 11 Area Agencies on Aging
Florida's SHIP program. Free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers. Helps caregivers and beneficiaries understand Medicare, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and prescription drug plans.
Unbiased — not affiliated with insurance industry. Access through Elder Helpline or local AAA
Statewide
Free advocacy for caregivers with concerns about nursing home or assisted living quality of care. Investigates complaints, protects residents' rights, and monitors long-term care facilities statewide.
File complaints online at elderaffairs.org/programs-and-services/long-term-care-ombudsman-program/ or call statewide toll-free number
Statewide — offices in Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Tampa, Miami, and Orlando
Free legal assistance for Floridians with disabilities and their caregivers. Covers disability-related legal problems, public benefits, housing, and advocacy. Federally designated Protection and Advocacy agency.
Free services for people with disabilities and their family caregivers — multiple regional offices
Central Florida — Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Brevard, Flagler, Volusia, Lake, Sumter counties
Free legal services to low-income Floridians including elder law, advance directives, powers of attorney, Medicaid planning, and housing. Elder law services available to adults 60+ regardless of income.
Income eligibility for most services — adults 60+ served regardless of income for elder law matters
Honest answers to what Florida family caregivers ask most.
Your care plan keeps every Florida 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.