Caregiver Respite Available

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides respite care and supplemental services for family caregivers. NFCSP is a program funded through the Older Americans Act. Respite services such as in-home companions, adult day services, brief assisted living stays can offer a respite to caregivers who are caring for a relative at home. Caregiving is a challenging "job". Caregivers provide millions of dollars of uncompensated care to family members. They do it out of love, concern and compassion, but even loving, caring, compassionate people need a break from time to time to refresh themselves. Respite helps ensure people are being the most effective caregivers they can be. So often, caregivers don't take respite breaks because there isn't anyone else to care for their relative. Sometimes, there's a respite activity they would like to try but they lack the extra money. NFCSP may be able to help in both cases.

NFCSP isn't limited to individuals of the lowest income and asset levels. Care-manager,s who work in the program, direct services to those in greatest need for services, but need isn't always economic need. The cost of caring for someone can have economic and emotional costs. Both factors are considered in determining eligibility for the program