Who is a caregiver?

A caregiver is someone who provides assistance to another person who is unable to provide for his or her own needs.  The type and extent of assistance can range from something as small as providing weekly shopping to something extensive, such as assisting with bathing, dressing, and meals on a daily basis.  A caregiver could be a family member, friend, or neighbor.  Some caregivers reside with the person that they assist, others do not.  For the Caregiver Support Program, we define a caregiver as someone who provides care to a person age 60+, a person 60+ who provides care for a child under the age of 18, or a person age 60+ who provides care for a person with mental retardation or developmental disabilities. 

What is the Caregiver Support Program?

The goal of the Caregiver Support Program is to provide assistance to informal, community caregivers.  The program provides information regarding services that are available to caregivers in the community.  Case managers are available to meet with caregivers to discuss what services might best suit their individual needs and assist caregivers in obtaining needed services.   Enhanced case management is provided at no cost to the caregiver.  The Caregiver Support Program also funds different programs in the community that service the unmet needs of caregivers.  Some services that are available to make your caregiving role easier are home delivered meals, adult day health, social day care, homemaker services, home health aides, chore services, the companion program, transportation, and educational/support groups. 

It is important to remember that most informal caregivers are employed.  This, along with other family responsibilities, can make caregiving a difficult job.  It is important to obtain assistance before getting to the point where you can no longer be an effective caregiver.  Even if you are not ready to accept services now, call your local ASAP to familiarize yourself with what’s available in your community, so that when you do need assistance, you know where to turn.   

Browse this section to learn more about caregiving issues, resources available, and tips to help you be a better caregiver.