Emergency contacts and crisis resources — the numbers to know

Reviewed by the How To Help Your Elders Team

When a crisis hits, you need the right phone number immediately, not a search engine and five minutes of scrolling. Whether your parent has fallen and is unresponsive, is talking about ending their life, or you are the one who has hit a wall, the numbers below connect you with trained people who handle exactly these situations every day. Write them down, post them on the refrigerator, and share them with anyone who helps care for your parent.

Call 911 for Any Immediate Threat to Life

911 is always the first call when life is at risk. That includes difficulty breathing, chest pain, unresponsiveness, severe bleeding, suspected stroke, or any situation where you believe your parent could die without immediate help. The CDC reports that adults over 65 account for approximately 40 percent of all emergency medical service transports in the United States. Do not hesitate because you are unsure whether the situation is "bad enough." Dispatchers are trained to assess severity and send the right level of response. Stay on the line until help arrives, and try to have your parent's medication list nearby if possible.

National Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222. This line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is free. If your parent has taken too much of a medication, accidentally or otherwise, or has ingested something potentially toxic, call Poison Control before heading to the emergency room. They determine whether the exposure is dangerous and tell you exactly what to do next. The American Association of Poison Control Centers handled over 2 million human exposure cases in 2022, and the majority were managed safely at home with phone guidance alone. Have the medication bottle or substance container nearby when you call so you can describe exactly what was taken and how much.

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988. If your parent is expressing a desire to end their life, talking about being a burden, or showing sudden behavioral changes that concern you, call 988. You can also text "HELLO" to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. Trained counselors assess the level of danger and connect your parent with local resources. Calling does not automatically mean hospitalization. The CDC reports that suicide rates among adults aged 75 and older are among the highest of any age group, and depression in older adults is both serious and treatable. Reaching out for help when someone expresses hopelessness is the right move, every time.

When You as the Caregiver Are in Crisis

NAMI Helpline: 1-800-950-6264. The National Alliance on Mental Illness operates this line for anyone experiencing mental health distress, including caregivers who are overwhelmed, exhausted, or frightened by their own thoughts. Available Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET. These are trained peer supporters who understand what caregiving does to a person. AARP's 2023 caregiving report found that 36 percent of family caregivers describe their situation as highly stressful, and 1 in 5 report that caregiving has worsened their own health. Calling when you are struggling is not weakness. It is what the service exists for.

After-Hours Nursing Hotlines. When your parent has a medical problem that does not feel like 911 but does feel urgent, call their doctor's office and ask for the after-hours line. Most medical practices have an on-call nurse who can evaluate symptoms over the phone, advise on medication concerns, and tell you whether an emergency room visit is warranted. Have your parent's date of birth and current medication list ready. This call can save you a stressful, expensive ER trip while making sure real problems get addressed.

Aging-Specific Helplines That Know Your World

Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116. This is the national access point for your local Area Agency on Aging and all local aging services. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. The Administration for Community Living, which funds the Eldercare Locator, reports that the service connects over 300,000 callers per year with local resources. If you need to find services, understand eligibility, or locate a specific program, this is your starting call for non-emergency questions. They can also connect you with crisis counseling if you need it.

Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900. Available around the clock in over 200 languages. If your parent has been diagnosed with any form of dementia or you're concerned about memory changes, this line connects you with specialists who can answer questions about care, behavior management, medication, and emotional support. They also connect you with local support groups. The Alzheimer's Association reports that more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's, and the vast majority are cared for by family members. You do not need a confirmed diagnosis to call.

Caregiver Action Network: 1-855-227-3640. This organization focuses specifically on unpaid family caregivers. Beyond their phone support, they offer webinars, support groups, and a database of respite care programs by state. If you need a break and don't know how to get one, this is a good place to start asking.

Transportation When It Is Not an Emergency

Many communities offer non-emergency medical transportation for seniors, covering rides to doctor appointments, dialysis, and other medical facilities. To find this in your area, call your Area Agency on Aging or your county health department. Some programs are free for low-income seniors, and others charge a small fee. The Administration for Community Living notes that lack of transportation is one of the top barriers to healthcare access for older adults living in the community.

Beyond medical transport, many areas have volunteer-based or subsidized ride programs for seniors. These cover grocery trips, social activities, and errands. Your Area Agency on Aging can tell you what operates locally. These programs help your parent maintain independence and stay engaged without relying on you for every trip.

Post These Numbers Where You Can Find Them

When you are panicked, you will not think clearly about which number to call. The Eldercare Locator (1-800-677-1116) is a good default for any non-emergency question about aging services, and they can redirect you quickly. For emergencies, 911 is always right. For medication concerns, Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222. For suicidal thoughts, 988.

Write these numbers on a card and put it on the refrigerator. Put them in your phone with clear labels. Give copies to any family member who helps with care. These services exist because people in exactly your situation have needed them before, and they will be needed again. Using them is what they are designed for.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I call 911 versus Poison Control?
Call 911 if your parent is unresponsive, not breathing, seizing, or showing signs of a life-threatening emergency. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) if your parent has ingested or been exposed to something potentially harmful but is conscious and stable. Poison Control will tell you if 911 is needed.

Is 988 only for people who are suicidal?
No. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is for anyone in emotional distress, including people experiencing severe anxiety, grief, confusion, or feeling overwhelmed. You can also call on behalf of someone you are worried about.

What if I call the Eldercare Locator and they can't help with my specific problem?
They will redirect you. The Eldercare Locator functions as a clearinghouse for aging services nationwide. Even if they don't handle your specific issue directly, they know which agency or organization does and will give you that contact information.

Can I call the Alzheimer's Helpline if my parent doesn't have a diagnosis yet?
Yes. The helpline takes calls from anyone concerned about memory changes, behavioral shifts, or cognitive decline, regardless of whether a formal diagnosis has been made. They can also guide you on next steps for getting an evaluation.

What should I have ready when I call any of these numbers?
Your parent's full name, date of birth, address, current medication list, and a brief description of the situation. For medical calls, knowing your parent's primary doctor and any recent hospital visits helps the person on the other end give better guidance.

Are these numbers free to call?
Yes. Every number listed in this guide is free. The 988 line, Poison Control, Eldercare Locator, Alzheimer's Helpline, and NAMI Helpline all operate at no cost to the caller.