👋 Start Here — You're in the Right Place
Don't know where to begin? Answer one question and we'll point you to exactly the right resources.
🧭 What Describes You Best?
Tap the answer that fits you — no wrong answers.
I am caring for someone because…
✅ Resources for Family Caregivers
You may qualify for FREE respite care, support groups, counseling, and even paid caregiver status through ALTCS/Medicaid.
✅ Resources for Professional Caregivers
Get certified, find training programs, and see current pay rates for Arizona caregivers.
✅ Resources for Veteran Caregivers
The VA offers a monthly stipend, free health care, and respite care for qualifying veteran caregivers.
✅ Resources for Grandparent Caregivers
If you're 55+ raising grandchildren, you may qualify for free support services through the Family Caregiver Support Program.
💙 You Are Not Alone
Caregiver burnout is real. Please reach out — there are people ready to help right now, for free.
What's Available for Arizona Caregivers
Get Paid to Caregive
Family members may qualify to be paid ~$14.35/hr through Arizona's Medicaid ALTCS program.
ALTCS / MedicaidFree Respite Care
Get reimbursed for temporary breaks from caregiving. In-home, adult day centers, and overnight options.
Free ProgramTraining & Certification
Everything you need to know about becoming a certified CNA, HHA, or Direct Care Worker in Arizona.
ProfessionalSupport Groups
Connect with people who understand what you're going through — in person and online across Arizona.
Community🔍 Find Help Near You
Support groups, counseling, education, and local Area Agencies on Aging across Arizona.
📍 Your Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA)
Your local AAA is the front door to FREE caregiver services in your county — including respite care, counseling, training workshops, and more. All services are free.
Phoenix / Maricopa County
📞 602-264-2255Maricopa County Area Agency on Aging — covers all of greater Phoenix area
Tucson / Pima County
📞 520-790-7262Pima Council on Aging (PCOA) — serves Tucson and surrounding Pima County
👥 Support Groups
Connecting with others who understand your experience is one of the most powerful things you can do. Groups are free and open to all.
Benevilla (Sun City / NW Phoenix): Every Thursday 9:30–10:30am at Willowbrook United Methodist Church. General caregiver support, grief, and wellness groups.
Duet: Partners in Health & Aging: Virtual group 2nd & 4th Tuesday, 10am–11:30am. Call 602-274-5022 to register.
Western AZ WACOG Virtual Group: Every other Wednesday 10am. Evidence-based tools for managing caregiver stress. Call 928-782-1886.
Alzheimer's Association — Desert Southwest: Dozens of free groups statewide. All facilitated by trained individuals. Call 800-272-3900 to find one near you.
Meaning & Hope Institute (Phoenix): For families caring for someone with dementia. Part of Duet: Partners in Health & Aging. Call 602-277-5551 ext. 7777.
Benevilla Memory Care Group (Sun City): Specialized group for memory care caregivers. Call 623-584-4999.
Care 4 the Caregiver — Children 0-12: Virtual, every other Thursday 9:30am–10:30am Arizona time.
Care 4 the Caregiver — Children 13+: Virtual, every other Wednesday 9:30am–10:30am Arizona time.
Register at: azcaregiver.org/support-groups
Duet Partners in Health & Aging: Specific support group track for grandparents raising grandchildren. Call 602-274-5022.
Pima Council on Aging (Tucson): Partners with AZ Children's Services for grandparent/relative caregiver support. Call 520-790-7262.
FCSP Services: If you're 55+ raising grandchildren, you likely qualify for FREE services through your local AAA. Call 888-737-7494.
VA Phoenix Caregiver Support Team: In-person and virtual support. Mon–Fri 8am–3:30pm. Call 602-277-5551.
Hearts of Valor (Operation Homefront): National network with support groups, retreats, and online forums for military caregivers.
BeConnected Arizona: Connects veterans and military families to resources. Call 866-429-8387.
💰 Get Paid to Care for Your Family
Arizona offers real programs where family members can earn money for the care they already provide.
ALTCS (Arizona Long Term Care System) is Arizona's Medicaid program for seniors and people with disabilities. Once a family member is enrolled, you can apply to be their paid caregiver at roughly $14.35 per hour for up to 40 hours per week.
How to Become a Paid Family Caregiver — Step by Step
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1
Apply for ALTCS for Your Family Member
Your family member must be enrolled in ALTCS first. They must need nursing-home-level care and meet income/asset limits. Call 888-621-6880 or apply online at Health-e-Arizona Plus.
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2
Request to Be Their Paid Caregiver
Once they're enrolled, tell the ALTCS case manager you want to be their paid caregiver. You will be connected to an ALTCS-contracted home care agency.
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3
Complete Required Training
The home care agency trains and employs you. You'll need: CPR/First Aid, Fundamentals of Caregiving training, fingerprint background check, and a TB test. Training time is paid.
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4
Begin Getting Paid
The agency handles payroll. You earn approximately $14.35/hr. Most approvals are for 30–40 hrs/week, up to ~$680/week. Income may be tax-exempt under "Difficulty of Care" rules.
Other Paid Caregiver Programs
Parents as Paid Caregivers (PPCG)
📞 602-417-4230Parents can be paid to care for their disabled minor children — now a permanent program since 2024. Up to 40 hrs/week per child. Talk to your ALTCS case manager.
New in 2024Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD)
📞 844-770-9500Family members of people with developmental disabilities may qualify for support services and reimbursement through DDD.
All AgesVA Caregiver Stipend (PCAFC)
📞 855-260-3274Monthly stipend + free health care for caregivers of veterans with a 70%+ disability rating. Also includes 30 days of free respite per year.
Veterans OnlyTax Credits for Caregivers
Federal tax benefits for caregivers:
- Up to $3,000 credit (1 dependent)
- Up to $6,000 credit (2+ dependents)
- Up to $500 Credit for Other Dependents
- Head of Household: $23,625 deduction
📋 Caregiver Certification in Arizona
A clear path from beginner to certified professional — Arizona's caregiver workforce is growing 20%+ through 2030.
Which Certificate Is Right for You?
| Job Title | Training Hours | Annual CEUs | Exam? | Pay Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Certified Caregiver (Assisted Living) | 62 hours | 12 hours | Yes — 75% to pass | $14–16/hr |
| Home Health Aide (HHA) | 75 hours | 12 hours | Competency eval | $14–17/hr |
| Direct Care Worker (DCW) | Levels I & II | 6 hours | Knowledge + skills | $14–16/hr |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | State-approved program | Recommended 12 hrs | State written exam | $15–19/hr |
| Personal Care Attendant (PCA) | On-the-job | Varies | No formal exam | $13–15/hr |
How to Get Certified — Step by Step
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1
Be at Least 18 Years Old
Arizona requires all professional caregivers to be 18 or older and able to communicate in English.
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2
Choose a Training Program
Complete an NCIA-approved 62-hour program (Certified Caregiver) or a CMS-approved 75-hour program (HHA). Programs are available in-person and online.
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3
Pass the State Certification Exam
Score at least 75% on the exam administered by the Arizona Board of Nursing Care Institution Administrators (NCIA). CNA requires the AZ Board of Nursing exam.
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4
Complete Background Check & Health Requirements
DPS Fingerprint Background Check, negative TB test, and current CPR/First Aid certification (through ARC, AHA, or NSC).
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5
Keep Up Your Certification
Maintain 6–12 hours of continuing education annually depending on your role. Most employers provide this training.
Training Providers in Arizona
Southwest Caregiver Training Institute
📞 928-446-0896NCIA-approved certification. Also offers Teepa Snow dementia care training (PAC) for families and managers.
StatewideLearn2Care (Online)
🌐 learn2care.usState-approved HHA training. Flexible online format. Available in English, Spanish, Tagalog, and Hindi.
OnlineLifework Education (AMTI)
📞 Phoenix areaCNA, HHA, Caregiver, and EMT programs in the Phoenix metro area. CPR/First Aid certification provider.
PhoenixCareAcademy (Online)
🌐 careacademy.comDCW, HHA, and CNA curriculum for agencies and individual caregivers. Compliance training available.
Online🌿 Take a Break — You Deserve It
Respite care gives you temporary relief from caregiving. It is not giving up — it's what makes long-term caregiving possible.
"The most important thing a caregiver can do is take care of themselves." — Mark, AZ Caregiver
Studies show that regular respite reduces depression, anxiety, and burnout — and helps caregivers provide better care for longer. Use it before you hit a crisis.
Your Respite Options
In-Home Respite
Someone you trust — a friend, neighbor, or professional — comes to your home so you can take a break. The Arizona Caregiver Coalition can reimburse you after you submit receipts.
📞 888-737-7494Adult Day Health Centers
Daytime programs for your family member — structured activities, meals, and health monitoring. Gives you a full working day of relief. Often covered by ALTCS.
Often FREE with ALTCSEmergency Respite
When something unexpected happens and you need immediate backup, the AZ Caregiver Coalition partner network can help on short notice.
📞 888-737-7494Overnight / Multi-Day Respite
For longer breaks, ALTCS can cover multi-day stays at a care facility. VA caregivers get up to 30 days per year of free respite.
ALTCS & VA AvailableHow to Get Free Respite Funding
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1
Call the AZ Caregiver Resource Line
Call 888-737-7494 Monday–Friday, 9am–4pm. A trained volunteer will help determine what you qualify for.
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2
Arrange Your Respite
You choose who provides the respite — a friend, neighbor, or professional. They come to your home or your family member goes to a center.
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3
Submit Receipts for Reimbursement
Pay for the respite yourself first, then send the receipt and timesheet to the Arizona Caregiver Coalition. They will reimburse you.
🧘 Caregiver Wellness Resources
PCOA Wellness Workshops (Tucson)
📞 520-790-7262Free virtual workshops every November: Mental Self-Care, Movement & Comfort, Social & Spiritual Nourishment, Affirmations & Gratitude.
VA Wellbeing Coaching
📞 855-260-3274Free personal health coaching for veteran caregivers. Personalized wellness plans based on your values and goals.
- Feeling constantly exhausted even after sleeping
- Feeling resentful or guilty about caregiving
- Withdrawing from friends, family, or activities you used to enjoy
- Getting sick more often than usual
- Feeling like there's no light at the end of the tunnel
If any of these feel familiar, please call 888-737-7494 today. Help is free and available now.
🎖️ For Caregivers of Veterans
Arizona has over 500,000 veterans. If you care for one, the VA offers some of the most generous caregiver support in the country.
This is a free national hotline for all caregivers of veterans. They can walk you through every benefit available to you. Call 855-260-3274 — anytime.
The Two Main VA Programs
PCAFC — Full Benefits Program
📞 855-260-3274For caregivers of veterans with 70%+ disability rating. Benefits include:
- Monthly financial stipend
- Free VA health care coverage
- 30 days of free respite per year
- Mental health services
- Caregiver training and education
PGCSS — General Support
📞 855-260-3274For ALL caregivers of enrolled veterans — even if not eligible for PCAFC. Benefits include:
- Education and training resources
- Peer support mentoring
- Mental health support
- Wellness coaching
- Bereavement support
VA Locations in Arizona
VA Southern Arizona (Tucson)
📞 520-792-1450 ext. 6642Caregiver support and wellness coaching for Southern Arizona veterans.
BeConnected Arizona
📞 866-429-8387Connects veterans, service members, and families to resources statewide.
📞 All Arizona Caregiver Hotlines
Every important phone number in one place — tap any number to call directly from your phone.