Caregiver Support
The Issue
Many people caring for older relatives or close friends feel alone and overwhelmed in their caregiving journey, which can lead to their own emotional, physical health and financial concerns. And research shows that 1 in 4 (25%) family caregivers say it is very difficult to get affordable services in their loved ones' community to help with their care.
Our Impact
In 2000, Congress authorized a new program under the federal Older Americans Act, the National Caregiver Support Program, to explicitly acknowledge the needs of families and friends in their caregiving role. The services and supports provided provide critically important benefits to ease the strain on caregivers to keep them from burning out.
COVID-19 Information: GECAC offices are closed to the public due to COVID-19 but our dedicated staff is serving clients via phone, email, and virtual. Call 814-459-4581 Ext. 684 to speak to a Caregiver Support staff member.
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GECAC understands that caring for others takes time, energy, and money. A caregiver can be anyone: a family member, friend, neighbor, or older adult. You are an informal caregiver when an older person relies on you to provide unpaid help with day-to-day activities.
GECAC will help you by providing:
- Financial benefits to reimburse for out of pocket expenses for personal care, adult day care, skilled nursing, and medical supplies up to $500 per month
- Home modification or assistive devices such as ramps, stairlifts, wheelchairs, etc. up to $ 2,000-lifetime benefit
- Information and referral on resources and services in your community
- Respite care that offers a brief break from caregiving by providing short-term support in your home or overnight care
- Benefits counseling to review existing benefits and identify potential new benefits
- Caregiver education and training to enhance your role as a caregiver
- Care coordination to determine the necessary support and services your loved one will need
Grandparent Caregiver
Grandparents 55 years or older who have legal, custodial, or guardianship of their biological grandchild qualify for financial reimbursement of caregiving expenses. Expenses include clothes, school supplies, personal care items, services, and more.
Enrollment
If you are helping someone who is:
- At least age 60.
- Any age and has Alzheimer's disease or other dementia.
- An adult with a disability and you are an older relative (not a parent) who is 55 years of age or older.
- Grandparents 55 years or older who have legal, custodial, or guardianship of their biological grandchild.
