Support Resources
The Krames Health Library provides access to articles and fact sheets on health topics. Search health topics, such as cold or flu symptoms, dementia, and diabetes.
You can call the Nebraska Total Care Nurse Advice Line any time. This service is free and they can answer health questions. They answer calls 24 hours a day, every day. Call 1-844-385-2192 (TTY 711) with your health question.
Our nurses speak English and Spanish. If you speak a different language, you can ask for a translator.
The findhelp resource tool lets you search for free or reduced cost services near you like medical care, food, job training, and more.
Alzheimer’s and Dementia
- Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Center
- You can find educational videos created by the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program. The videos cover:
- Sundowning
- Wandering
- Bathing
- Repetition
- Hallucinations
- Refusal to take medications
- Alzheimers.gov has material about the diagnosis, training and support for caregivers.
- The Family Caregiver Alliance put together a fact sheet to help caregivers understand behaviors typical of those living with dementia.
- Home safety tips by the Alzheimer’s Association
Coping with Challenging Behaviors
- Behavior and Emotions of Aging - Family Caregivers Online
- Behavior Management Strategies - Family Caregiver Alliance
Legal topics to consider
End of Life
Housing
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
Dial 988 for mental health-related crises. 988 is the new designated three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. A person in crisis, their family member, or even a bystander will be able to immediately reach a crisis counselor.
Crisis Text Line
The volunteer Crisis Text Line serves anyone in any crisis. They provide access to free, 24/7 support. Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a Crisis Counselor.
Crisis Call Center
Compassionate assistance to people in any type of crisis - 1-775-784-8090 or 1-800-273-8255
Friendship Line
A crisis hotline and a warmline for non-urgent calls. Call 1-800-971-0016. This line provides support services such as:
- Suicide prevention
- Emotional support
- Elder abuse prevention and therapy
- Well-being checks
- Grief support
- Information and referrals for older adults or adults with disabilities
Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Support Line
211 Program
The 2-1-1 program is a free, private service to help find local resources, including:
- Food and nutrition programs
- Shelter and housing resources
- Utilities support
- Disaster relief
- Employment
- Addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs
- Reentry support for ex-offenders
- Support groups
- Safe help out of an abusive situation
Call 2-1-1 to speak with a service expert in your area.
- Caregiver Nation
- Caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias
- Smart Patients Caregiver Community
- A partnership between Family Caregiver Alliance and Smart Patients to create an online community for individuals and their caregivers.
- Find a nearby support group by calling your local Area Agency on Aging or using the Eldercare Locator
- AARP Online Caregiver Community
- Alzheimer’s/Dementia Specific: ALZConnected®
- Caregiver Action Network’s Care Community
Caring for someone is rarely easy and can take much of your time. To help care for a loved one, caregivers need to make time to care for themselves.
Keep in mind the tips below to help you take care of yourself:
- No one is perfect. You will make mistakes.
- Many emotions surface when you are caring for another.
- Depression is a common experience while caregiving.
- Think you may be affected by caregiver depression? Read more about Depression - What it is and What it is Not
- Give yourself and your loved one honest expectations.
- Use the info and resources available to you.
- Know the skills needed to care for your loved one. Be honest about what you can and cannot do.
- Learn to say No.
- Take help from others.
- Be resilient.
- Know your own stress triggers.
- For successful coping:
- Eat right
- Exercise
- Sleep
Helpful Fact Sheet:
Nutrition Resources:
Other Resources:
- My Caregiver Journal (PDF)
- Physical Activity Information
- Healthy Eating Information
- Mental and Emotional Health Information
AARP
American Association of Retired Persons
1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277)
Alzheimer’s Association
1-800-272-3900
Brain Injury Association of America
1-800-444-6443
Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
202-454-3970
Eldercare Locator
1-800-677-1116
Family Caregiver Alliance
1-800-445-8106
Medicare
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227)
MedlinePlus: End of Life Issues
National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD)
202-898-2578
National Alliance on Mental Illness
1-800-950-NAMI (1-800-950-6264)
National Institute on Aging
800-222-2225
National Stroke Association
1-800-STROKES (1-800-787-6537)
Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network
1-866-RESPITE (1-866-737-7483)
Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST)
202-780-8352
U.S. Department of Labor, Disability Resources
1-866-633-7365