Family Caregiver Resources for Missouri

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.

Missouri Care Planning Council (800-989-8137)
Website lists companies and individual providers who help families deal with the crisis and burden of long-term care.

Missouri Family Caregiver Alliance (800-445-8106)
Works to improve the quality of life for family caregivers of adults with cognitive and physical disabilities through services, education, advocacy and research.

Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (855-373-4636)
Helps qualified households with home energy expenses, which may include assistance with heating and cooling bill payments, crisis bill payments, and heating and cooling equipment repair and replacement.

Missouri Community Action Network (573-634-2969)
Programs to help low-income Missourians achieve self-sufficiency include community gardening and summer food programs, transitional housing, preventative care and women’s health programs, workforce development and life skills training.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (855-373-4636)
Eligible households receive food assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card to cover a portion of their food budget, as well as nutritional education.

Alzheimer’s Association— Greater Missouri Chapter (800-272-3900 24/7 Helpline)
Supports people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia and their caregivers by offering a 24- hour telephone helpline, family education and outreach programs, financial and legal planning information, support groups and care navigation tools.
Western Missouri: alz.org/kansascity

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (800-390-3330)
Provides counseling and assistance to Medicare-eligible people, families and caregivers. Helps residents understand health care options, file claims and obtain benefits.

Department of Health and Senior Services (Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline: 800-392-0210; Social Services: 855-343-4636)
Manages public health and services for older and disabled Missourians.

Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (800-309-3282)
Provides consumer protection advocacy services to residents of long-term care facilities such as 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.

Missouri Housing Development Commission (816-759-6600)
Provides housing and community development assistance including homebuyer programs, emergency mortgage assistance and home repair grants for income-qualifying residents.

Missouri Association of Area Agencies on Aging
Agencies provide resources and services ranging from caregiver support to Medicare assistance. Albany: 888-844-5626; Northeast Missouri: 800-664-6338; Kansas City: 800-593-7948; Warrensburg: 800-748-7826; Central Missouri: 800-369-5211; Cape Girardeau: 800-392-8771; Springfield: 800-497-0822; Joplin: 417-781-7562; St. Louis: 877-612-5918

OATS Transit (888-875-6287)
Offers shared-ride, door-to-door specialized transportation in 87 counties for rural residents, older adults and people with disabilities.

SeniorResource.com
Provides a comprehensive source of relevant information and services for older adults and their caregivers.
 
SMTS Connect (800-273-0646; 573-783-5505)
Provides door-to-door transportation in 21 counties; vehicles are handicap accessible.

Department of Health & Senior Services (866-726-9926)
Provides information about hospice and palliative care resources. Includes link to an in-state certified hospices list.