Get Help Paying For and Navigating Care
Real California programs and free assistance — not affiliated with us, and free to use directly. We link to them because families ask us where to start.
Medi-Cal & CalAIM
Health coverage for low-income seniors. CalAIM adds extra support (like a care manager, home modifications, or meals) requested through your Medi-Cal plan — not a separate application.
Apply at BenefitsCal.com →IHSS (In-Home Support)
Pays for help with bathing, cooking, and cleaning at home for those who qualify — so a senior can stay home instead of moving to a facility.
Call 211 to be connected →CalFresh (Food Assistance)
Monthly funds toward groceries. Many eligible seniors don't realize they qualify — it's worth checking even if you're unsure.
Call 1-877-847-3663 →Senior Housing Help
Find affordable senior housing or navigate housing subsidies through your local Area Agency on Aging.
Call CA Dept. of Aging →HICAP (Free Medicare Counseling)
Free, unbiased counseling on Medicare and Medi-Cal — counselors don't sell insurance, so there's no sales pressure.
Ask 211 for your local HICAP →Justice in Aging (Legal Help)
Free legal aid focused on older adults — useful for benefits appeals or understanding your rights.
Visit justiceinaging.org →Not sure where to start?
Call 211 (dial 2-1-1, or visit 211ca.org) — California's free, 24/7 hotline that connects you to the right program for your situation, in any language. Or try our AI Care Finder to get pointed in the right direction.
Nonprofit Organizations That Can Help
Independent nonprofits offering free counseling, meals, caregiver support, and legal help — not affiliated with us.
Alzheimer's Association
Free 24/7 helpline for anyone facing Alzheimer's or dementia — support, care planning, and local resources in 200+ languages.
Call 1-800-272-3900 →Family Caregiver Alliance
Free and low-cost counseling, tools, and support tailored to your caregiving situation, run by the National Center on Caregiving.
Visit caregiver.org →Meals on Wheels
Home-delivered meals and wellness checks for seniors, plus transportation and social connection programs in many counties.
Find a local program →California Senior Legal Hotline
Free legal advice for California residents 60+ — elder abuse, financial abuse, estate planning, and nursing home issues. Weekdays 9am–noon & 1–4pm.
Call 1-800-222-1753 →National Council on Aging — BenefitsCheckUp
Free online screening that checks a senior's eligibility across 2,000+ benefit programs at once (Medi-Cal, CalFresh, utility bill help, and more).
Call 1-800-794-6559 →Caregiver Action Network
Free National Caregiver Help Desk — talk to a caregiving expert about your specific situation, no appointment needed.
Call (855) 227-3640 →NAMI (Mental Health Support)
Free peer-support helpline for older adults, caregivers, and families dealing with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
Call 1-800-950-6264 →SAGE (LGBTQ+ Elders)
24/7 hotline for LGBTQ+ older adults and their caregivers — support, friendly conversation, and local resource referrals, in English, Spanish, and 180+ languages via interpreter.
Call (877) 360-5428 →AARP Foundation Tax-Aide
Free tax preparation for seniors, done by IRS-certified volunteers. No AARP membership required.
Call 1-888-227-7669 →CaringInfo (Hospice & End-of-Life Planning)
Free advance directive forms for California and guidance on hospice, palliative care, and end-of-life planning, run by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization.
Call 1-800-658-8898 →Adult Day Programs (CBAS)
Community-Based Adult Services centers offer supervised daytime care, meals, and health monitoring so a senior can keep living at home. Usually covered through Medi-Cal. Sourced from the California Department of Aging's official directory (321 licensed centers, 28 counties).
Select a county above to see nearby adult day health centers.
Browse Resource Categories
Dementia & Alzheimer's
24 Articles
Caregiver Support
31 Articles
Paying for Care
28 Articles
Health & Safety
22 Articles
Housing & Care Options
19 Articles
Legal & Planning
16 Articles
Community Support
15 Articles
View All Topics
120+ Articles
Featured Articles
View All Articles →
10 Ways to Prevent Caregiver Burnout
Practical tips to take care of yourself while caring for your loved one.
How to Apply for Medi-Cal in California
A step-by-step guide to Medi-Cal eligibility and application process.
RCFE vs. Assisted Living: What's the Difference?
Understand the key differences and which option may be right for your loved one.
Fall Prevention Tips for Seniors at Home
Simple changes that can help prevent falls and keep your loved one safe.
Tools & Guides
View All Tools →Videos & Webinars
View All Videos →
Understanding Dementia: What Families Need to Know
Navigating Medi-Cal for Long-Term Care
Easy Exercises for Seniors at Home
