Caregiving (cont.)
What is respite care?
The term respite care means care that gives the regular caregiver some time
off. Respite care gives family caregivers a much-needed break. In the process,
respite care reduces caregiver stress. Respite care may be provided by:
- Home health care workers
- Adult day-care centers
- Short-term nursing homes
- Assisted living homes
Respite care is essential to family caregivers. Studies
show that respite care helps caregivers keep their loved ones at home for longer
periods of time.
What is the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)?
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) is a federally-funded
program through the Older Americans Act. The NFCSP helps states provide
services that assist family caregivers. To be eligible for the NFCS,
caregivers must:
- Care for adults aged 60 years and older, or
- Be grandparents or relatives
caring for a child under the age of 18.
Each state offers different amounts and
types of services. These include:
-
Information about available services
-
Help accessing support services
-
Individual counseling and organization of support groups
-
Caregiver training
-
Respite care
-
Limited supplemental services to
complement the care provided by caregivers.
How can I find out about caregiving resources in my
community?
A number of resources can help direct you to the caregiver services you
need. These agencies will be able to tell you:
- What kind of services are available in your community
- If these services are
right for you
- If you are eligible for these services
- Whom to contact and hours
of operation
People who need help caring for an older person should contact their local
Area Agency on Aging (AAA). AAAs are usually listed in the government sections
of the telephone directory under "Aging" or "Social Services." A listing of
state and area agencies on aging is also available online at: http://www.aoa.gov/eldfam/How_To_Find/Agencies/Agencies.asp
The National Eldercare Locator, a toll-free service of the Administration on
Aging, is another good resource. They can be reached by telephone at
1-800-677-1116 or online at www.eldercare.gov. The Eldercare Locator can help
find your local or state AAA. Operators are available Monday through Friday,
9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Time. When contacting the Eldercare Locator,
callers should have the address, zip code, and county of residence for the
person needing assistance.
Next: What kind of caregiver services can I find in my community? »
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