Help and support available for family caregivers
by Wyoming Department of Health
November 25, 2014
Wyoming residents caring for family members or friends on an ongoing basis who find they could use a little help in meeting their challenges are asked to consider a program offered through the Wyoming Department of Health (WDH).
"Family members are often the major providers of long-term care," said Jeanne Scheneman, National Family Caregiver Support Program manager with WDH. "These caregivers are generally acting out of love as well as need, but it’s not easy for them."
"We know ongoing caregiving can lead to emotional, physical and financial burdens. For example, many caregivers also work outside the home and must juggle their caregiving responsibilities such as meal preparation or help with bathing and other personal chores with their work obligations," Scheneman continued.
The National Family Caregiver Support Program helps adults who are caregivers for loved ones or friends 60 or older or for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia condition of any age. Support is also available for grandparents or other family member caregivers 55 or older who find themselves raising their grandchildren 17 years of age or younger or helping an adult with a disability.
Support available through the program include:
• Respite care, which involves a temporary break for the caregiver from taking care of their loved one
• Information to caregivers about available services and help accessing them
• Individual counseling, organization of support groups and caregiver training
Supplemental services can also be provided on limited basis to complement the care provided by the caregiver. Potential services include:
• Chore/handyperson
• Personal care
• Personal emergency response systems
• Minor home modification
• Homemaking
Scheneman said programs for caregivers can play an important role in avoiding or delaying out of home placements. "We want to help people care for their loved ones at home as long as possible."
Program services are available in most Wyoming counties, except for Albany, Crook, Platte, Sublette or Weston. For more information about the National Family Caregiver Support Program, please contact the WDH Aging Division’s Community Living Section by calling 1-800-442-2766 or sending an email to wyaging@wyo.gov.
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