Is There Help for Caregivers?
Yes, the Caregivers Assistance Program (CAP) is funded through the Older Americans Act, Title III E, and is administered by the DHR – Division of Aging and the Coastal Georgia Area Agency on Aging. The CAP assists family or friends who are primary Caregivers in the community and who are experiencing high levels of stress.
Care Coordination for the Caregivers Assistance Program is provided through a contract with the Chatham County Board of Health.
Who is eligible for the Caregivers Assistance Program?
- The Caregiver must be an adult providing care to a person age 60 or older, or
- The Caregiver is a Grandparent or Relative Caregiver (not a parent) age 55 or older providing care to a person with mental retardation and related developmental disability, or
- The Caregiver is age 55 or older and is providing care to a minor grandchild age 18 and under, AND
- The Care Recipient must be a resident of Bulloch, Chatham, Effingham, Glynn, or McIntosh county.
What services are available through the Caregivers Assistance Program?
Care giving may be one of the most important roles you will undertake in your lifetime. Typically it is not an easy role, nor is it one for which most of us are prepared.
A range of services is available in most communities. Some programs designed to serve the care receiver also help the caregiver. The Caregivers Assistance Program, which offers information, assistance, education and training along with other services, can help you detemine what might be most helpful. An in-home assessment will be conducted by the CAP Care Manager. The assessment will identify the type of caregiver stress, and appropriate services will be determined based on the caregiver’s needs and circumstances.
Is there a fee for the Caregivers Assistance Program?
The Caregivers Assistance Program is funded through Title III E, and there is no charge for Case Management. A sliding scale will determine the cost of other services or commodities. Your household income will be discussed at the time of assessment.
How do I apply for CAP?
Call the Area Agency on Aging to speak to an Information and Assistance Specialist.
The Caregiver will be interviewed to determine a level of stress.
For further information or to apply for services, please contact:
Coastal Georgia AAA, 1-800-580-6860