Local Community Resources
A curated list of free tools and local services to support your caregiving journey.
We’ve gathered links to organizations, programs, and tools that can help—whether you're exploring senior living, looking for in-home support, or simply trying to stay informed.
These resources are trusted, local, and completely free to access. Click through to learn more and find the support that’s right for your family.
Aging Life Care Association
The Aging Life Care Association, formerly known as the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM), is a nonprofit, volunteer-based organization with thousands of members nationwide.
Alzheimer's Association
The Iowa Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers free, in-person and virtual support groups for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers, complemented by a 24/7 helpline and an online community for connection and guidance.
American Heart Association
The Association strives to create a world without cardiovascular diseases and strokes.
Arthritis Foundation
A leading U.S. nonprofit offering comprehensive resources, research funding, advocacy, and community programs to support people living with the over 100 types of arthritis and related conditions
Iowa Office of the Ombudsman
The Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman — an independent entity within Iowa HHS — advocates for the rights, health, safety, and quality of life of individuals in long-term care settings by investigating complaints, providing individual and systemic advocacy, and supporting resident and family councils, all at no cost.
Iowa Dementia Resource Guide
The Iowa Dementia Resource Guide (revised March 2025) offers downloadable and professionally printable versions of a comprehensive dementia resource, with copies also available in Bosnian, French, and Spanish.
Fall Prevention and Home Safety
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides extensive resources, research, and fact sheets on fall risks and prevention for older adults.
Legal Aid
Iowa Legal Aid is a nonprofit law firm dedicated to providing free civil legal assistance, education, and advocacy to low-income and vulnerable Iowans across the state, helping with areas like housing, family law, public benefits, disaster recovery, and more.
American Parkinson Disease Association
The APDA Iowa Chapter supports and empowers individuals affected by Parkinson’s disease through local support groups, educational and exercise programs, referrals, and community events, while also contributing to vital research and hope-building initiatives
Health and Human Services
Iowa's Department of Health and Human Services provides comprehensive support to residents aged 60 and over—helping them maintain independence, securing their rights and well-being, and addressing social and economic needs
Adult Protective Services
The Iowa HHS Adult Protective Services program evaluates reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of dependent adults (aged 18 or older with physical or mental limitations), providing safety assessments, referrals to community services, and ongoing protection efforts.
Iowa Legal Aid
The Legal Hotline for Older Iowans provides free civil legal assistance—including advice, negotiation, and referrals—to Iowa residents aged 60 and over via a dedicated toll-free number (1-800-992-8161), available Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m
National Parkinson Foundation
The National Parkinson Foundation (NPF) is dedicated to the care and treatment of people with Parkinson’s disease, funding millions of dollars in research and support services to improve quality of life.
Aging Life Care Association
The Aging Life Care Association—formerly the National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers (NAPGCM)—is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization with thousands of members nationwide.
Iowa's Medicare Resources
Iowa’s SHIIP (Senior Health Insurance Information Program) offers free, confidential, and unbiased one-on-one counseling and education—via trained volunteers—to help Medicare beneficiaries, their families, and caregivers understand Medicare options and prevent fraud.
Alzheimer's Store
Products designed for those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia—supporting safety, comfort, and connection for both patients and caregivers.
UnityPoint Health
UnityPoint Health’s palliative care team—a multidisciplinary group of physicians, nurses, social workers, and chaplains—partners with patients and families to manage symptoms, enhance quality of life, and support decision-making at any stage of serious illness, whether alongside curative treatment or as a step toward comfort-focused care.
Accessible Home Health Care of Des Moines
Accessible Home Health Care of Des Moines delivers compassionate 24/7 in-home senior care services—such as memory loss, companion, respite, long-term, and transitional care—while also connecting families to vital community resources like Aging Resources of Central Iowa, Iowa HHS services, legal aid, senior centers, and more.
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