Support Resources

Heritage Health - Nebraska Total Care

The Krames Health Library provides access to articles and fact sheets on health topics. Search health topics, such as cold or flu symptoms, dementia, and diabetes.

You can call the Nebraska Total Care Nurse Advice Line any time. This service is free and they can answer health questions. They answer calls 24 hours a day, every day. Call 1-844-385-2192 (TTY 711) with your health question.

Our nurses speak English and Spanish. If you speak a different language, you can ask for a translator.

The findhelp resource tool lets you search for free or reduced cost services near you like medical care, food, job training, and more.

Caregiving Glossary

Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Center
You can find educational videos created by the UCLA Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Program. The videos cover:
- Sundowning
- Wandering
- Bathing
- Repetition
- Hallucinations
- Refusal to take medications
Alzheimers.gov has material about the diagnosis, training and support for caregivers.
The Family Caregiver Alliance put together a fact sheet to help caregivers understand behaviors typical of those living with dementia.
Home safety tips by the Alzheimer’s Association

Coping with Challenging Behaviors

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Dial 988 for mental health-related crises. 988 is the new designated three-digit dialing code that routes callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. A person in crisis, their family member, or even a bystander will be able to immediately reach a crisis counselor.

Crisis Call Center

Compassionate assistance to people in any type of crisis - 1-775-784-8090 or 1-800-273-8255

Friendship Line

A crisis hotline and a warmline for non-urgent calls. Call 1-800-971-0016. This line provides support services such as:

Suicide prevention
Emotional support
Elder abuse prevention and therapy
Well-being checks
Grief support
Information and referrals for older adults or adults with disabilities

Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Support Line

1-800-272-3900

211 Program

The 2-1-1 program is a free, private service to help find local resources, including:

Food and nutrition programs
Shelter and housing resources
Utilities support
Disaster relief
Employment
Addiction prevention and rehabilitation programs
Reentry support for ex-offenders
Support groups
Safe help out of an abusive situation

Call 2-1-1 to speak with a service expert in your area.

Caregiver Nation
- Caregivers for people with Alzheimer’s and other dementias
Smart Patients Caregiver Community
- A partnership between Family Caregiver Alliance and Smart Patients to create an online community for individuals and their caregivers.
Find a nearby support group by calling your local Area Agency on Aging or using the Eldercare Locator
AARP Online Caregiver Community
Alzheimer’s/Dementia Specific: ALZConnected^®
Caregiver Action Network’s Care Community

Caring for someone is rarely easy and can take much of your time. To help care for a loved one, caregivers need to make time to care for themselves.

Keep in mind the tips below to help you take care of yourself:

No one is perfect. You will make mistakes.
Many emotions surface when you are caring for another.
Depression is a common experience while caregiving.
- Think you may be affected by caregiver depression? Read more about Depression - What it is and What it is Not
Give yourself and your loved one honest expectations.
Use the info and resources available to you.
Know the skills needed to care for your loved one. Be honest about what you can and cannot do.
Learn to say No.
Take help from others.
Be resilient.
Know your own stress triggers.
For successful coping:
- Eat right
- Exercise
- Sleep