The editors of Caring.com recommend these local resources for family caregivers:

Adult Day Services (also called adult daycare or respite care)

http://www.caring.com/local

What they do: Offer social activities and basic health services to seniors in need of supervised care; many provide door-to-door transportation, meals, and personal care; some offer specialized services to those with dementia or disabilities

Cost: $25 to $70 a day or more, depending on location and services provided; many offer services on a sliding fee scale; not usually covered by Medicare but sometimes covered by Medicaid

Best for: Seniors with physical or mental limitations, such as dementia, and family caregivers who need a break from daily care

Alzheimer's Association

www.alz.org

312-335-8700

24-hour help line: 800-272-3900; supports multiple languages

What they do: Offer referrals to the nearest local chapter, which can refer you to local support groups and consultation services

Cost: Free referrals

Best for: Identifying local Alzheimer's support groups and resources for everything from home safety to general caregiving

Area Agency on Aging (name varies by community)

http://www.caring.com/local

What it does: Provides general information and offers referrals to local eldercare services, such as case managers, transportation, meals, adult day services, in-home caregivers, and legal assistance

Cost: Free general information and referrals; referred services usually free or inexpensive

Best for: Finding general eldercare information or eldercare services in a specific community

Elder Companions (also called personal assistants; available through home health agencies and by searching online for independent caregivers)

http://www.caring.com/local

What they do: Provide companionship, a watchful eye, and sometimes transportation at prearranged hours during the week

Cost: Ranges from minimum wage to about $30 an hour, depending on location, services provided, and experience

Best for: Those who can't be left unsupervised but otherwise have no daily health care needs -- and family caregivers who need respite

Geriatric Care Managers

http://www.caring.com/local

What they do:Assess needs and identify and coordinate resources; can take over nearly all aspects of eldercare in some cases

Cost:Some local government agencies and charities offer consulting services free or on a sliding scale; if hired privately, $75 to $250 an hour

Best for:Crisis or needs assessment, complicated ongoing care; supporting long-distance caregivers

Home Health Aides (available through home health agencies)

http://www.caring.com/local

What they do: Offer personal care such as bathing, toileting, and feeding, along with minor medical care and limited housekeeping (such as changing sheets)

Cost: Ranges from about $15 to $40 an hour, depending on location, services provided, and training (certified aides, who have more medical training, earn more); if medical help needed, may be covered short-term by Medicare (if deemed medically required) or over the longer term by Medicaid

Best for: Those who need some personal or light medical care in order to stay in their homes