Support for the family doing the caregiving
Caregiver Support
Practical help for adult children and spouses navigating the caregiving journey.
Roughly 1 in 5 adults in Central Texas is providing unpaid care to a parent or spouse. Most feel invisible - to their employer, their friends, and often the healthcare system.
Caregiver burnout is the single biggest reason families end up in crisis-mode placements. Getting help early is the whole game.
What this covers
Respite care
Even 4 hours a week of paid respite - from an agency caregiver or an adult day program - changes the caregiver's health outcomes measurably. Long-term care insurance and VA benefits often cover respite.
Support groups that work
Alzheimer's Texas Capital Chapter and Family Eldercare run free peer groups in Austin. Online groups (like AARP's caregiver forum) fit night-shift caregivers. The point is having somewhere to say the hard things.
The 'long-distance' caregiver
When adult children live 500+ miles from a parent, a local geriatric care manager becomes the essential hire - eyes on the ground, weekly check-ins, and coordination with local providers. Typical cost: $150 - $250/hour, a few hours a month.
Employer benefits
A growing number of Austin employers offer caregiver benefits - backup care, care concierge services, or paid caregiver leave. Most caregivers don't know their own HR has this. Ask.
The Central Texas angle
AGE of Central Texas runs one of the country's original caregiver-education programs, right in Austin. Their adult day health center in North Austin gives caregivers full weekdays of respite for a fraction of home-care cost.
Next steps
- Join one support group - just try it once
- Book 4 hours of respite care this week
- Ask HR about caregiver benefits at work
Vetted local providers
Yolanda Pierce, RN - Care Manager
Hourly care navigation for adult children managing parents' care from afar.
Austin · Kyle · Buda (512) 555-0277Alzheimer's Texas Capital Chapter
Free support groups, family consults, and 24/7 helpline.
Austin (800) 367-2132AGE of Central Texas
Adult day health center, caregiver education, and computer classes for seniors and caregivers.
Austin · Round Rock (512) 451-4611
Not sure where to start?
Tell us your situation and we'll connect you with the right person, free.
Ask an ExpertFrequently asked
- What free caregiver resources exist in Austin?
- Alzheimer's Texas Capital Chapter (24/7 helpline), Family Eldercare's caregiver support groups, and the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area all offer free services to Central Texas caregivers.
- How do I avoid caregiver burnout?
- Schedule respite care before you need it, join a peer group, accept help when offered, and watch for signs of depression and resentment. Burnout is the #1 reason families end up in crisis-mode placements.