Family Caregiver Resources for Iowa

En español | 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. 

AARP 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. 

To order a print copy of this online guide, call the toll-free AARP Family Caregiving Resource Line at 877-333-5885 and indicate which state(s) you would like to receive. A copy will be mailed to you.

Department of Health and Human Services: Caregiver Resources
Caregiver resources include information about chore services, home-delivered meals, adult day care, referrals to local service providers, family caregiver counseling, respite care services and support groups.

Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division (888-777-4590 | 515-281-5926)
Guards the public from fraud, deception and unfair business practices; enforces laws that protect consumers from false or misleading advertisements and deceptive sales practices.

Iowa Legal Aid: Legal Hotline for Older Iowans (800-992-8161 | 515-992-8161)
Provides critical legal assistance in civil matters to low-income and vulnerable Iowans.

Department of Health and Human Services: Iowa Medicaid (800-338-8366 | 515-256-4606)
Provides health care coverage administered by the state for financially needy children, parents with children, people with disabilities, older adults and those who are pregnant.

State Health Insurance Information Program (800-351-4664)
Local Medicare counselors help with enrolling, choosing a plan and applying for income assistance.

Iowa Insurance Division (877-955-1212)
Oversees issues pertaining to access, sales and administration of health insurance benefits.

Iowa Drug Card (877-321-6755)
Free prescription assistance program helps residents afford prescription medications. There is no enrollment process for the statewide program.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman (866-236-1430)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities, consisting of nursing homes, assisted living facilities, specialty care facilities and boarding homes. Anyone can use an ombudsman to report a concern and get help resolving problems, including residents, residents’ family members and friends, and long-term care facility employees.

LifeLong Links (866-468-7887)
Provides housing resources for older adults, people with disabilities and veterans.

Adult Protective Services (800-362-2178)
Provides information and investigates allegations of abuse, neglect and financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Area Agencies on Aging (866-468-7887)
Provides information and referrals to older adults, adults with disabilities, veterans and their caregivers. Agencies also coordinate long-term living and community support services, including transportation, meals and respite care.

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (800-827-1000 benefits questions | 800-838-4692 | 515-252-4698)
Provides older and disabled veterans with rehabilitative, residential and medical care and services.

Hospice and Palliative Care Association of Iowa (515-243-1046)
Provides information about hospice and palliative care resources, including a Find a Hospice/Palliative Care tool.