Services available through the National Family Caregiver Support Program include:
- Information
- Education
- Supportive Counseling
- Training
- Respite Services
- On-going Care Coordination
(NOTE: These are the services available through the Family Caregiver Support Program offered by Area Agency on Aging 11, Inc. Services available through this program may vary in other geographic areas.)
Essentially, the program is a resource to assist caregivers as they take on or continue the important role of primary caregiver to an older individual. The Care Coordinator works with the family to meet the needs of both the caregiver and the care recipient.
There are two groups of caregivers who are targeted to receive assistance through this program:
- Caregivers of any age who are providing care for a person age 60 and over;
- A caregiver age 60 and over who is providing care for a family member age 18 or younger with Mental Retardation/ Developmental Disabilities.
Respite services are designed to provide the caregiver with a short-term break from the constant activity of caregiving. Respite services available may include:
- Adult Day Care
- Transportation
- Personal Care Respite
- Homemaker Service Respite
- Chore Services
- Short Term Institutional Stay
Caregivers who access Respite Services through the Family Caregiver Support Program will be required to share in the cost of those services, based on the care recipient's income and a sliding fee scale. There is a cap on the amount that can be spent by the Family Caregiver Support Program on behalf of one caregiver.