Caregiver’s Answers, Topics, and Helpful Information

In an endeavor to continually assist caregivers in their search for pertinent information regarding eldercare, our Information and Referral Specialists address topics of most frequently asked questions via Caregiver’s Answers, Topics and Helpful Information (CATHI). Additionally, caregivers are also invited to e-mail individual questions and an Information and Referral Specialist will reply.

Dear CATHI,

Question: What is the Family Caregiver Support Program and how can it help me?

Answer:

According to the North Carolina Division of Aging and Adult Services (2008), about 20 % of adults in North Carolina reported providing care or assistance to a family member or friend with a long-term illness or disability. Caregivers play an important role in our community. It is important for them to know of available resources and supports that can assist them in completing their caregiver responsibilities to help them avoid caregiver burn-out.

The Family Caregiver Support Program can provide you with these services and supports. At Senior Resources of Guilford we are able to provide you with referrals to these resources.

Available services in Guilford County include:

·  Information and Options Counseling- A Certified Options Counselor can sit down with you to discuss your current situation and help you develop a plan of action for establishing services to meet your needs.

·  Support Groups- Information is available on support groups provided throughout the community. Sometimes hearing the experiences of other caregivers can be very helpful in dealing with the situation you may be facing.

·  Education and Training- Various workshops are provided to caregivers to educate them on topics such as managing caregiver stress, end-of-life planning, and Alzheimer’s disease. Senior Resources of Guilford partners with the Adult Center for Enrichment and Emmanuel Senior Enrichment Center to host Caregiver Camp. This is an annual event that features a guest speaker, local vendors, and other fun activities all to provide you with a day of education and relaxation.

·  Respite Care- There are many agencies throughout the county that provide respite care. Services can range from a few hours to overnight care.

·  Supplemental Services- Information is available to caregivers and care recipients on in-home care agencies, legal assistance, food assistance, home repairs, and other needed services.

Eligibility

In order to receive services through the Family Caregiver Support Program, the caregiver must meet one of the following descriptions.

·  A caregiver of any age who is providing care for an adult age 60 or older

·  Someone providing care for a person with Alzheimer’s Disease or related brain disorder

How to Receive Services

The Family Caregiver Support Program at Senior Resources of Guilford is available to assist you Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. We can work with you by phone or in person either in our office or in your home. To receive more information, schedule an appointment, or to find out about the resources available to you in Guilford County contact Ashlyn Martin, Family Caregiver Support Program Coordinator, by phone at (336) 373-4816 or e-mail at .

The information in this article was adapted from the What is Options Counseling brochure, created by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Aging and Adult Services, 2013.

Note: This is for informational purposes only.

For referrals to community organizations in Guilford County that assist older adults and caregivers with these documents, contact Senior Resources of Guilford’s SeniorLine at (336) 884-6981 in High Point, all other areas (336) 333-6981 or the Caregiver Support Coordinator, at (336) 373-4816 or (336) 883-3586 in High Point.