Skip to main content

    Caregiver Apps

    Tools for the hardest job there is.

    CaringBridge

    FREE

    Private update site for the patient + family. Keeps everyone informed without 30 phone calls.

    Best free.

    Lotsa Helping Hands

    FREE

    Coordinate volunteers. Sign-up for meals, rides, visits.

    Best volunteer organizing.

    CareZone

    FREE

    Track medications + appointments + symptoms. Family shares notes.

    Best caregiving notes.

    Carely

    FREE

    Care team chat. Medical questions, photos, journal.

    Best for sibling teams.

    eCare21

    $30-100/mo

    Remote monitoring — vitals, activity, medication. For long-distance caregivers.

    Best long-distance.

    Free help

    • Family Caregiver Alliance — caregiver.org. Free education + state-by-state resources.
    • AARP Caregiving — aarp.org/caregiving. Free advice, financial tools, support groups.
    • Eldercare Locator — 1-800-677-1116. Free hotline finds local services.
    • Alzheimer's Association — alz.org or 1-800-272-3900. 24/7 helpline.
    • Area Agency on Aging — every county has one. Free meals, transport, in-home care.

    Tax breaks for caregivers

    • Medical expense deduction — care costs deductible if > 7.5% of income.
    • Dependent Care FSA — through employer, $5,000/year tax-free.
    • Credit for Other Dependents — $500/year if you provide more than half of parent's support.
    • Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) — up to 12 weeks unpaid time off (eligible workers).
    • Some states pay caregivers — check Medicaid waiver programs.

    Top tips for new caregivers

    • Ask the doctor for "advance directive" + "POA for healthcare" forms early.
    • Get medical records online via MyChart, FollowMyHealth.
    • Keep a medication list with you ALWAYS (in phone notes).
    • Make ONE list of all doctors + specialists with phone numbers.
    • Family meetings — even painful ones — beat ambush decisions later.
    • You can't pour from an empty cup. Take breaks.

    You're not alone

    53 million Americans are unpaid caregivers right now. Average of 4 years per caregiving stretch. Burnout is real. Find your local caregiver support group through AAA (Area Agency on Aging) or AARP. Talking to others who understand changes everything.