Resource Spotlight, Episode 1: The Caregiver Action Network (CAN)
If you've ever stared down a huge list of caregiving to-dos and thought, "I have no idea where to even start," the Caregiver Action Network (CAN), listed on our Resources page as the National Caregiver Action Network, was built for exactly that moment.
CAN is a national nonprofit (officially the National Family Caregivers Association, doing business as Caregiver Action Network) based in Washington, DC. Its mission is simple: improve the quality of life for the millions of Americans who care for a loved one dealing with a chronic condition, a disability, a serious illness, or the frailties of aging. Everything CAN offers is free to family caregivers.
Here's what's actually waiting for you when you reach out.
1. The Caregiver Help Desk — a real person, on the phone
At the center of CAN's support is the National Caregiver Help Desk, reachable at (855) 227-3640. This isn't a hotline that reads you a script, it's staffed by real caregiving experts (through CAN's partnership with Carallel) who are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–7:00 PM Eastern.
You can call, email, or use live chat, whichever is easiest for you. Use it to:
Talk through a specific caregiving question or a hard decision
Get pointed toward resources for a specific condition or situation
Have a confidential conversation with someone who understands caregiving
If you're mid-crisis or just mid-overwhelm, this is the first number to save in your phone.
2. 24/7 access to hundreds of resources (via the Help Desk app)
Experts keep business hours, but caregiving doesn't. That's why CAN also offers the National Caregiver Help Desk App, powered by Carallel, for round-the-clock support. It's full of short, digestible tools: skill-building content, validation for what you're feeling, and practical help getting things done. Sign-up takes seconds, and you'll want to use access code: CAN.
3. Expert-led virtual fireside chats
These are 30-minute virtual sessions tackling the complicated, often taboo topics caregivers face: guilt, burnout, tough family dynamics, and more. They're led by Carallel's caregiver engagement team, so you're hearing from people who do this work every day, not just reading an article.
4. Support groups and caregiver community
Through the Help Desk, you can register for Carallel Support Groups: a space to ask questions, feel understood, and connect with people walking a similar path. CAN also runs a broader Facebook community for caregivers to share and connect outside of scheduled sessions.
5. The Caregiver Toolbox — CAN's resource library
Beyond the Help Desk, CAN maintains a searchable Family Caregiver Toolbox you can filter by condition, resource type, or your role as a caregiver. It includes:
Caring by condition — dedicated guides for Alzheimer's, heart failure, Parkinson's, rare diseases, schizophrenia, sickle cell disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, mental health challenges, and more
Basics of caregiving — checklists, documents, and tools for those just starting out
Financial & legal tools — guidance on getting paid as a family caregiver, accessing government benefits, and other assistance programs
Agencies & organizations — a directory to help you find local and national support
Respite care — help locating a break when you need one
Clinical trial support — for caregivers navigating treatment options
Volunteer services — connections to programs like Community Care Corps, which provides non-medical volunteer assistance
This post is part of our resource series exploring the tools listed on the Caregiver Collective Resources page. Stay tuned for our next spotlight!
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