Family Caregiver Support Programs
Introduction
A family caregiver is a relative, friend, or neighbor that provides assistance to someone with a physical or mental disability without any form of payment or compensation. Taking care of a loved one with any disability is a very difficult and time-consuming job. Sometimes, these caregivers even have to quit their job to be able to provide care. Being a caregiver is financially, emotionally, and physically draining, and requires support to avoid burnout. There are many organizations that offer Family Caregiver Support programs with the goal of reducing the burden on caregivers. Here is a list of some organizations and the programs they offer:
- The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
The NFCSP was established in 2000 and operates by providing grants to states and territories to fund various support programs that help family and informal caregivers provide care for older adults in their homes for as long as possible. Their aim is to reduce caregiver’s potential for depression, anxiety, and stress, enabling them to provide care for a longer period of time. Additionally, they provide other services including:
- Providing information to caregivers about available services
- Helping caregivers gain access to services
- Offering one-on-on counseling, training, and support groups for caregivers
- Providing supplementary services as needed
Eligibility
The requirements foreligibility to receive help from the NFCSP are:
- Caregivers who are 18 years old or above and who are providing care to individuals that are 60 years of age or older
- Caregivers who are 18 or above, who areproviding care to individuals of any age that have Alzheimer’s disease.
- Older relatives (who are not the parents of the person with disabilities) that are 55years and older providing care to children under the age of 18 with physical or mental disabilities.
- Older relatives, including parents, that are 55years and older providing care to adults ages 18-59 with disabilities.
- Family Caregiver Alliance – National Center on Caregiving
The NCC was established in 2001 with the aim of fast-tracking the development of policies that benefit caregivers in the US. It serves as a general source of information on issues related to caregiving and long-term care for policymakers, service providers, media, donors, and family caregivers all over the country.
- National Alliance for Caregiving
The NAC is a nonprofit organization that focuses on caregiving related matters. The NAC was established in 1996 to conduct research, increase public awareness of the issues, and strengthen state and local coalitions. The Alliance recognizes that caregivers play a vital role and strive to improve their quality of life.
