Caregiver Resources and Programs

Caregiver support services are available to all families caring for a person aged 60 or older or someone with dementia. Grandparents and older relatives caring for minor children or an adult with a disability may also qualify for the program. 

Limited short-term respite care is provided in the home, at a day program, or during a short stay in a facility. Respite services for caregivers include:

• Chore services such as yard work, snow shoveling, or heavy housework
• Personal care such as dressing, bathing, or toileting
• Daily homemaking tasks such as meal preparation, shopping, or light housework
• Companionship and general supervision for safety purposes

Services and items that assist the caregiver in provided care include: 

• Transportation and assisted transportation
• Assistive devices (weighted silverware, adaptive clothing, door locks, bed alarms, etc.)
• Minor home modifications (wheelchair ramps, grab bars, etc.)
• Supplies (incontinent supplies, etc.)
• Safety equipment (emergency response system, Safe Return, etc.)

• Any caregiver who provides unpaid care to a person age 60 or older, or to a person of any age who has Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia.
  • Note: The older adult receiving care must need assistance with tasks of daily living.
• Grandparents or relatives aged 55 and older who are the primary caregivers for a child under age 18 or older relatives, including parents, age 55 and older providing care to adults ages 18-59 
  with disabilities.

Funds are available in each county for qualified individuals to 
provide caregiver respite care and purchase goods and 
services needed to help care for someone with irreversible 
dementia.

Typical goods and services include:

• Respite care or home care services (personal care assistance, meal prep, medication assistance and monitoring, homemaker services, yard work, snow removal, etc.)
• Emergency response systems
• Transportation expenses
• Incontinence supplies
• Home safety modifications
• Home-delivered meals
• Specialized clothing
• Activities and hobby supplies
• Legal expenses related to guardianship
• Caregiver counseling services
• Caregiver education classes
• Individualized services as approved

Families are eligible if three criteria are met:

1. There is a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia
2. The person with dementia resides in a community or home setting
3. The person with dementia and spouse has a gross annual income of $48,000 or less (costs related to dementia-related care may be deducted when calculating gross income)

The Grandparent Caregiver Program provides and can provide potential grant funding for:

• Support Group Opportunities
• Educational Information
• Respite
• Activities and Outings