With a growing aging population, the number of family caregivers in the United States is also on the rise.

Nearly 45 million people serve as a caregiver for a family member or friend who is 50 or older. Serving as a caregiver can be rewarding but difficult. Often, caregivers are unaware of local aging resources that might be able to assist them.

The Eldercare Locator is a free, public service that connects older adults and caregivers to information about local resources and services such as meal delivery programs, transportation options, home modification assistance and in-home support services. Additionally, caregivers can find out about support groups in their community and programs that offer a break from caregiving responsibilities.

The Eldercare Locator also has free informational brochures for older adults and caregivers on such topics as medication management, preventing falls in the home, transportation options, avoiding financial exploitation, and brain health.

Brochures and more information can be obtained by calling (800) 677-1116 or visiting

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The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging and is administered by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging.