Family caregivers provide most of the
assistance that enables older people
to live independently in their homes
and communities. Caregivers may be grandparents
raising grandchildren, or those who care
for older adults. In many cases, both
the caregivers and care recipients are
aging adults and many are women. According
to the National Family Caregiver Support
Program:
“Family caregivers face substantial stresses and burdens
as a consequence of caregiving obligations. Prolonged caregiving
can adversely affect one’s physical and psychological
health, current and future employment status and earning capability,
ability to balance the needs of older parents and younger family
members, and the ability to meet personal needs. Because caregivers
play such an important role, services that sustain a caregiver’s
role and maintain their emotional and physical health are an
important component of any home and community-based care system.”
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) was authorized by the Older Americans Act of 2000, and funds grants to states to run programs that provide support for family caregivers. States work with local area agencies on aging to put appropriate programs into place. The Family Caregiver Program (FCP) through NACOG AAA in Northern Arizona is actively engaged in providing support and assistance for qualified individuals who provide informal care for the elderly at home, and for grandparents raising grandchildren under the age of eighteen.
Services
Respite Care
This service is intended to relieve
a caregiver of their caregiving duties
for a short period of time and may
be offered in the home, in a group
setting, or in an adult day care
facility. Click
here for more information.
Home Repair and Adaptation
Limited home improvement services are available to older persons who meet income eligibility guidelines. Such improvements include roofing, ramps, and insulation.
Training
Training is provided to caregivers in various areas including in-home health care, dispensing of medication, self-care, and exercise for the caregiver and the recipient.
Legal Assistance
Legal assistance is provided to caregivers
of both grandchildren and older adults.
Legal services may include power
of attorney, guardianship/conservatorship,
wills, living wills, trusts, and
tenant/landlord concerns. Click
here
for more information.
Assistive Devices
Limited assistance is provided in obtaining hearing aids, eyeglasses, dentures, wheelchairs and walkers.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Services to grandparents come in the form of support groups, respite for grandchildren (while grandparents attend support groups, training and other activities and events). In some communities there are Grandparent Mentor Programs.
Family Caregiver Information and Referral
Provides assistance to individuals in obtaining information and accessing services in their communities.
Case Management
The case manager is considered the “gatekeeper” for most services by determining caregiver need and eligibility. The case manager performs a assessment and develops a care plan for the individual. This service is to be provided to caregivers of persons age 60 years or older and grandparents or older relative caregivers of children (under 19 years of age). Caregivers are considered to be the client. For other Home and Community Based Services, the person in need of care is considered the client.
Family Caregiver
Program
(928) 213-5245 or toll free 1(877) 521-3500
