Iowa caregiving provider network grows

DES MOINES — Iowa has joined a growing network that provides comprehensive and social service resources to the state’s unpaid family caregivers.

Nationwide, 48 million people provide caregiving assistance to loved ones who need help due to illness, injury, or other challenges.

Thanks to a recent expansion, Iowa is now one of twenty-five states served by the 211 Caregiver Support Program – which AARP Iowa State Director Michael Wagler said connects caregivers with a wide variety of help, even if the caller doesn’t know exactly what they’re looking for.

“It’s really a no wrong door mentality,” said Wagler. “And so they can get access and resources to on the ground care providers like area agencies on aging or hospital resources that they may not be aware of. Sometimes, it’s a point of reference for online resources.”

AARP and United Way Worldwide created the Caregiver Support Program to address the number one need for family caregivers – navigating the system to find relevant caregiving resources and local support.

Wagler added that the 211 program, which is a free 24/7 helpline, connects callers with local resources and nearby services for caregivers.

“Whether that be through AARP or other care providers,” said Wagler. “On connecting to resources, to local support groups to a gateway into other resources throughout their communities. And that’s the nice thing about the 211 program – it is both comprehensive and catered to where the caller is calling from.”

Originally launched in 2021, the program now covers 25 states with plans for more growth.