National Family Caregiver Support Program

What this program is, in plain English

This program is for the caregiver, not the person being cared for. Through your Area Agency on Aging it pays for respite so you can get a break, whether that is a few hours at home, an adult day program, or a short nursing facility stay. It also offers counseling, caregiver support groups, training in how to lift and transfer safely and how to handle dementia behaviors, and in many areas small supplemental grants for things like incontinence supplies or an emergency response button. There is no income test, though some areas ask for a voluntary contribution. Grandparents 55 and older who are raising grandchildren also qualify.

What you actually get

Paid respite care hours, caregiver counseling and training, support groups, and limited supplemental services.

Who qualifies

• Income limit: Not yet verified — call to confirm
• For family caregivers of adults 60 and older or of adults with Alzheimer's disease at any age, and for grandparents 55 and older raising grandchildren. No income test.

What to have ready

• Usually nothing beyond a phone assessment

How to apply

This program is run by Area Agencies on Aging, funded by the Administration for Community Living. Most decisions take Days to weeks; respite may have a waiting list.