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Family Caregiver Support Program
What is the Family Caregiver Support Program?
In November 2000, the U.S. Congress reauthorized the Older Americans Act with the addition of the National Family Caregiver Support Act. The new Act provides much needed focus on support programs for family caregivers.
Who Does the Family Caregiver Support Program Serve
The program targets:
1. Family members or another individual who is an informal provider of in-home and community care to an individual 60 years of age or older, OR to a person of any age with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
2. Grandparents or other relatives, 55 years of age or older, who are providing informal care to a child 18 years or age and younger, OR to an adult, 19-59 years of age, who has a physical or mental disability.
Are You a Family Caregiver?
• Do you provide care or assistance to a person age 60 years or older?
• Do you care for a person (any age) who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder?
• Are you a grandparent raising a minor child with developmental disabilities?
• Are you juggling caregiving with employment, family, or other responsibilities?
• Are you sometimes overwhelmed, confused about where to ask for help, feeling underappreciated or isolated because of these responsibilities?
If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, then you could be a Family Caregiver.
Why Would I Need the Family Caregiver Support Program
• To prevent burnout
• To help find information and resources
• To receive education and training on caregiving issues
• For counseling and support groups that help with problems and emotions
• To help families in planning the care that best meets their needs
• To receive respite services
Services Available Under the Family Caregiver Support Program
• Information about available services
• Assistance in gaining access to services
• Supportive Services such as:
o Individual Counseling
o Support Groups
o Caregiver training
• Respite care services
• Supplemental services
Caregiver Voucher Program
The Northwest Piedmont Area Agency on Aging has a consumer-directed program that provides respite (giving caregivers a break) by offering temporary assistance in paying for respite services such as in-home care, adult day care, and overnight care. In some counties, it also assists with paying for items such as incontinence supplies, nutritional supplements, telephone alert systems and home delivered meals. For more information on the Caregiver Voucher Program, please download an informational flyer.
Upcoming Workshops and Events:
Powerful Tools for Caregivers
A multi-week educational program designed to provide you with the tools needed to take care of yourself. Each participant receives a copy of The Caregiver Helpbook.
Caregiver Lunch and Learn Series
The 4th Annual Caregiver Lunch & Learn Series will be held on Wednesdays - October 29, November 5, 12, 19, 2008 from 11:30am - 1:00pm at Senior Services in Winston-Salem. The series, in honor of National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month, National Family Caregivers Month and National Hospice Month, is targeted for family caregivers, but all are welcome to attend. This event is presented by the Alzheimer's Association, Northwest Piedmont Area Agency on Aging, Hospice & Palliative CareCenter, Senior Services, and the Shepherd's Center of Greater Winston-Salem. Thanks to the sponsorship of Forest Heights Senior Living Community, Independence Village and Salem Terrace Assisted Living, lunch will be provided free of charge to attendees. Onsite care for loved ones is available. Registration is requested by calling (336) 761-2111, ext. 4116.
Caregiver Lunch and Learn Brochure
Caregiver Support Group meetings
Support Groups meet at various times each month for family caregivers. Please click here to see a listing of available groups within Davie, Forsyth, Stokes, Surry and Yadkin counties: Support Group List
Caregivers Day Out "Retreat"
Annual Caregivers Day Out held each May to give family caregivers a chance to relax, refresh and renew. For more information, click on the "Special events" tab, then Family Caregivers Day Out.
Resources and Helpful Links:
North Carolina
Full Circle of Care
NC Division of Aging and Adult Services Family Caregiver Support Program
Duke Family Support Program
Knowitalz.com
National
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Family Caregiver Alliance
National Family Caregivers Association
National Alliance for Caregiving
Caregiver.Com (Today’s Caregiver Magazine)
For more information, contact Holli Ward, Family Caregiver Support Specialist at (336) 761-2111, ext. 4116 or hward@nwpcog.org.
Updated: 10/22/2009 |
