NNHC Resource Center
Caregiver Resources
Practical support for family members and friends providing unpaid care at home — including respite options, caregiver organization, safety planning, emotional well-being, state programs, Veterans resources, and knowing when additional help may be needed.
Caregivers Need a Plan for Themselves, Too
Caregiving can affect sleep, physical health, finances, work, relationships, and emotional well-being. Needing respite or outside help does not mean the care plan has failed; it often means the care plan needs more support.
Start With a Caregiver Handoff Sheet
A short, current document helps everyone who shares responsibility understand the person’s routine and what requires special attention.
Daily Routine
Include waking, meals, bathing, toileting, mobility, medications, appointments, preferred activities, and bedtime routines.
Health & Safety
List diagnoses, allergies, medication schedule, fall risk, swallowing or feeding precautions, seizure or respiratory plans, and emergency contacts.
What Helps
Note communication preferences, calming strategies, sensory needs, triggers, cultural or spiritual preferences, and what a good day usually looks like.
Keep the handoff sheet secure because it may contain protected health information. Share it only with people involved in the person’s care.
Build Backup Before a Crisis
One caregiver should not be the only person who knows how the household works.
Identify Backup People
Decide who can step in for appointments, meals, supervision, transportation, medication pickup, or overnight help if the primary caregiver becomes unavailable.
Know the Emergency Plan
Keep emergency contacts, clinician numbers, pharmacy, DME or supply contacts, insurance information, and the person’s escalation instructions in one accessible place.
Plan Respite in Advance
Short, scheduled breaks can be easier to arrange than emergency coverage after caregiver exhaustion, illness, or burnout has already occurred.
North Carolina Caregiver Support
North Carolina offers several caregiver and aging-service pathways. Eligibility and funding vary by program and location.
Aging & Adult Services
NCDHHS connects families to caregiver support, in-home assistance, adult day services, transportation, nutrition, options counseling, and other aging-related programs.
NC Lifespan Respite
North Carolina’s Lifespan Respite Program can reimburse eligible unpaid caregivers for limited respite when funding is available and program requirements are met.
Information & Options Counseling
Local providers can help eligible older adults and families understand long-term services and supports and build a personalized action plan.
South Carolina Caregiver Support
South Carolina’s Family Caregiver Support Program is administered through the Department on Aging and regional Area Agencies on Aging.
Family Caregiver Support Program
Services can include information, assistance accessing services, counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite, and supplemental services for eligible caregivers.
GetCareSC
GetCareSC helps families search for aging, disability, caregiver, transportation, nutrition, and other community resources across South Carolina.
Respite & Self-Care
SC’s caregiver program recognizes respite as a short-term break that may occur at home or in another care setting depending on the available program and caregiver need.
Veteran & Military Family Caregivers
Families caring for Veterans may have additional support pathways through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
VA Caregiver Support Program
VA’s Caregiver Support Program is available through every VA medical center and includes education, resources, coaching, and caregiver support services.
PCAFC
The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers provides enhanced support for eligible Veterans and designated family caregivers who meet VA requirements.
Caregiver Support Line
VA’s Caregiver Support Line can help families connect with the local Caregiver Support Program team and understand available services.
Watch for Caregiver Overload
Caregiver strain can build gradually. It is easier to address when the warning signs are recognized early.
Physical Warning Signs
Persistent exhaustion, sleep disruption, missed medical appointments, new pain, frequent illness, or difficulty completing basic self-care may signal the caregiving plan needs more support.
Emotional Warning Signs
Irritability, anxiety, sadness, isolation, hopelessness, or feeling constantly overwhelmed deserve attention and support.
Operational Warning Signs
Repeated missed medications, unsafe transfers, inability to leave the person alone, frequent emergencies, or gaps in supervision can mean the current level of care is no longer sustainable.
If a caregiver is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988. Call 911 for an immediate emergency.
How NNHC Can Help
NNHC can discuss respite, personal care, companion support, private-duty nursing, and skilled nursing options based on the care recipient’s assessed needs, clinical orders when applicable, staffing availability, and payer authorization.
Resource notice: This page is informational and does not determine program eligibility or replace medical, legal, financial, mental-health, or emergency advice. External programs, funding, eligibility requirements, and availability can change. Resource links reviewed September 18, 2026.