What is the definition of a Family Caregiver?

In general terms, a caregiver is one who provides assistance to someone else who needs it to maintain an optimal level of independence.

Who can receive help under the Family Caregiver Support Program?

Under Title IIIE of the Older Americans Act, the term "family caregiver" refers to the following:
An adult family member, or another individual, who is an informal provider of in-home and community care to an older individual (sixty years and older) or A grandparent or step-grandparent or relative by blood or marriage, who is sixty or older, lives with a child, is the primary caregiver, and has a legal relationship or is raising the child informally.

What is Family Caregiver Support Program Case Management?

The Family Caregiver Support Program, provides a Case Management approach to the provision of support, through care planning and problem solving. In addition, there is the facilitation of caregiving training opportunities, resource-building and arranging for respite, for the primary caregiver, in an individual's life.

The Case Manager's Role

The Case Manager assists the Family Caregiver in identifying his/her needs, in processing a vast amount of information, about local resources, to meet these needs: ... ... for the loved one's care, and for the Caregiver's all-important self-care.

Through the Case Management Process, the Case Manager provides:

* Community Education;

* Outreach;

* A Comprehensive Assessment of Needs;

* Information and Referral;

* Assisted Transportation;

* Respite;

* The Services of an LSW:

-Counseling

-Caregiver Support Group
* The Services of a Registered Dietician:

-Caregiving Training
* Home Security and Safety;
* Visiting for Reassurance and Comfort.

Senior Legal Services will provide legal advice, counseling and representation for grandparents who are raising their grandchildren.