Caregiving may be one of the most important, and challenging, roles you’ll ever take on. No matter where you are in your caregiving journey — starting to plan; taking care of a family member in your home, in a facility, or from a distance; or managing end-of-life caregiving responsibilities — having resources at your fingertips will make the process easier. We have developed this family caregiver guide with you, the caregiver, in mind and as a starting point to help you find the services and support you might need throughout your journey.
Although this guide is not a complete listing of ALL the resources available to you, we hope that it will be a starting point for you as you seek services. Please contact us for more resources, if you need them.
GENERAL RESOURCES
2-1-1 Idaho CareLine (2-1-1)
A free, statewide community information and referral service that is a program of the Idaho Department of Health & Welfare. You can locate local caregiver support services, respite care, transportation, housing options and other local resources. Dial 2-1-1 to connect to an information and referral specialist.
Six agencies throughout the state offer services such as Adult Protective Services, caregiver support, in-home support services, respite care, legal assistance, housing, meals, and the Senior Medicare Patrol. Some services have age, income, and other eligibility requirements.
Regional contacts:
Eastern Idaho: 208-522-5391 or 800-632-4813 toll-free
North Central Idaho: 208-743-5580 or 800-877-3206 toll-free
Northern Idaho: 208-667-3179 or 800-786-5536 toll-free
South Central Idaho: 208-736-2122 or 800-5748656 toll-free
Southeast Idaho: 208-233-4032 or 800-526-8129 toll-free
Southwest: 208-898-7060 or 844-850-2883 toll-free
Live Better Idaho (info@livebetteridaho.org )
Live Better Idaho connects people to programs provided by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare and other organizations. Locate information on financial benefits, health care, food and nutrition, veterans services, behavioral health, and work and education.
HEALTH RESOURCES
The SHIBA program provides free, unbiased Medicare benefits information and assistance for all Idahoans with Medicare through a statewide network of regional offices, partner organizations and certified volunteers. The Medicare counseling, workshops and presentations are available by phone, via internet webinars, and in communities across Idaho.
Idaho Department of Health & Welfare (877-456-1233 toll-free)
The Department of Health & Welfare provides programs that foster a healthful and independent quality of life for Idaho citizens. Apply for benefits such as Medicaid, food assistance, and home- and community-based services such as assisted living and home care, and long-term care service options.
Your Health Idaho is an online marketplace for Idaho families and small businesses to shop, compare and choose health insurance coverage. YHI is overseen by a board of Idahoans that includes insurance agents, physicians, business owners, legislators and nonprofit representatives.
Nursing Home Compare has a searchable database of every Medicare- and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country.
HOME- AND COMMUNITY-BASED SERVICES
The Idaho Caregiver Alliance is a group of individuals and organizations focused on improving access to quality caregiver supports, resources and expanding opportunities for respite for all ages. Activities include advocacy for caregivers at the state level, a monthly newsletter, workshops and events such as the annual Family Caregiver Conference.
Family Caregiver Navigator (208-426-5899)
Family Caregiver Navigator provides free support, options counseling and resource referrals to unpaid family caregivers in SW Idaho by telephone. Following a research-based assessment, the Navigator generates a care plan to connect caregivers with critical support services.
The ICOA offers help and information for older adults and people with disabilities so they can remain independent and age in place in their own home and community. The organization is working to enhance information about and access to respite options and training. A list of respite care options is available on their website. P.O. Box 83720 Boise, ID 83720
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Idaho State Tax Commission Property Tax Reduction Programs (PTR) (208-334-7760 | 800-972-7660 toll-free)
Qualified Idaho homeowners may be eligible for property tax reduction (PTR), which could reduce such taxes by $150 to $1,320 on your home and up to one acre of land. The program is administered by the tax commission and county assessors. Visit the website for program guidelines and instructions on how to file.
LEGAL RESOURCES
Idaho State Bar (208-334-4500)
The Lawyer Referral Service (LRS) is a public service of the Idaho State Bar. LRS attorneys provide their clients with a free initial consultation (up to 30 minutes) and provide a $35 referral fee unless the case is personal injury, medical malpractice or workers’ compensation (these are referred for free).
Idaho Legal Aid (208-746-7541)
Idaho Legal Aid provides limited elder law legal services for those meeting eligibility requirements. Elder law involves issues that affect seniors, such as discrimination, guardianship, health benefits, long term health care, nursing home issues, power of attorney, probate, and Social Security benefits.
TRANSPORTATION SERVICES
Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to locate services designed to transport seniors to and from locations for medical and health care services, senior centers and meal programs, employment locations, shopping and community functions and social service agencies.
Regional contacts:
Eastern Idaho: 208-522-5391 or 800-632-4813 toll-free
North Central Idaho: 208-743-5580 or 800-877-3206 toll-free
Northern Idaho: 208-667-3179 or 800-786-5536 toll-free
South Central Idaho: 208-736-2122 or 800-5748656 toll-free
Southeast Idaho: 208-233-4032 or 800-526-8129 toll-free
Southwest: 208-898-7060 or 844-850-2883 toll-free
CARE FOR CAREGIVERS
On Site for Seniors (208) 967-4771
When it comes to caregiver support and resources, no one has you covered like On Site for Seniors. We offer Caregiver support and training, as well as Caregiver Support Groups where people meet and learn from each other. We also provide respite care for your loved one while you take a needed break.
Create the Good connects people with volunteer opportunities and project ideas to share your life experiences, skills and passions in your community.