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.
In addition to the respite services provided through NFCSP, the program also provides financial assistance to defray the cost of purchasing items necessary to care for your relative. Many of the conditions that require the support of caregivers to keep someone at home, also require expensive supplies such as tracheostomy kits, wound dressings, incontinence supplies, or nutritional supplements. The cost of these items shouldn't fall on the caregiver, but often they do. NFCSP provides funds to help pay a portion of these types of expenses.
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New funds are available each October to enroll caregivers into this program. If you would like more information about NFCSP, contact the Agency on Aging of South Central CT, Aging & Disability Resource Center 203 785 8533
