Caregivers assist the elderly, infirm, or chronically ill with daily tasks, such as cooking, paying bills, and getting around.
Caregivers provide a valuable service in attending to those with special medical needs, sometimes on a round-the-clock basis. In Florida, several organizations offer grants to support and encourage caregivers. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, those over 65 make up a higher percentage of the population in Florida than in any other state: 17 percent as of 2004. This demographic indicates a higher demand for personal caregivers.
RELIEF Program
Through grants and government funding, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs offers the RELIEF (Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families) Program. This program gives respite to caregivers who provide for homebound or elderly family members or loved ones. A network of volunteers provides evening and weekend respite of up to four hours per visit, allowing the primary caregivers to take a break from their responsibilities.
Cash and Counseling Program
Florida also offers the Cash and Counseling Program for senior citizens and their caregivers. This is a nontraditional Medicaid program established with grants from the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Administration on Aging, and The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Participants in the program are senior citizens who receive budgets from Medicaid to hire their own caregivers or provide funds for exisiting caregivers to help cover the expenses of daily care.
Alzheimer's Disease Supportive Services Program
The Administration on Aging's Alzheimer's Disease Supportive Services Program offers grants to support caregivers indirectly. Money is awarded by the state to organizations that develop ways to assist people with Alzheimer's or dementia, and their caregivers. Organizations receiving grants may be awarded up to $1 million over the course of three years for such programs.
Tags: their caregivers, Administration Aging, Alzheimer Disease, Alzheimer Disease Supportive, Cash Counseling, Cash Counseling Program, Counseling Program