Whether you are caring for a child with autism or a parent with Alzheimer’s – or even a grandparent raising grandchildren – caregivers need all the support they can get to deal with the financial and emotional challenges that being a primary caregiver.
State-Level Resources:
Some states offer financial assistance programs for caregivers to relieve some of the expense in taking care of a sick or disabled relative. You may wish to contact a State Unit on Aging (SUA) to find out what programs a particular state has to offer.
Following is a list of support services listed at the Answers.USA.gov site that many caregivers will find useful:
- USA.gov – Caregivers’ Resources – Official information and services for caregivers from the U.S. government.
- The National Family Caregiver Support Program – Developed by the Administration on Aging (AOA), offers information on where to find help, individual counseling, organization of support groups and more.
- The National Institute on Aging’s (NIA) Caregiver Guide – Information and tips for those caring for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).
- The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – The VA offers caregiver support for the family members and other caregivers who care for disabled and aging veterans. In addition, you may wish to visit the VA’s Home and Community Based Care (HCBC). Please call the National Caregiver Support Line toll-free at 1.855.260.3274 for more information.
- Kinship Care – A program designed to help support a child who resides outside of his or her own home, either temporarily or on a long-term basis, with relatives such as grandparents, aunt, or uncle.
- State Social Service Agencies – State social/human service agencies can help with immediate needs for items such as food, clothing, healthcare, or emergency funds. If applicant is ineligible for benefits, these agencies may provide referrals to community organizations that might offer assistance.
- State and Local Services for the Disabled – Often referred to as vocational rehabilitation offices, these agencies oversee state resources and assistance for the disabled.
- Ask Medicare – Provides information, tools, and materials to assist caregivers and their loved ones with making informed healthcare decisions. You can sign up for the Ask Medicare e-Newsletter; you may also want to download the guide Medicare Basics: A Guide for Families and Friends of People with Medicare (.PDF document), also available in hard copy, just order by calling 1.800.MEDICARE (1.800.633.4227) or
Visit the site here: USA.gov: Caregiver Resources.
