Government Assistance for Caregivers of Elderly Parents

Caregiving is not for the faint of heart. It’s rewarding and wonderful, but it also comes with a variety of challenges.

Judson Meadows understands that many people want to keep their elderly parents at home as long as possible. However, we also know that it can take a toll on caregivers. That’s why we offer assisted living services such as respite care to help provide a much-needed break or care when you can’t be there.

Whether you’re just starting out on your caregiving journey or you’re already in the thick of it and in need of extra help, government assistance can help make everything easier.

New York State EISEP

The Expanded In-Home Services for the Elderly (EISEP) from New York State offers assistance to low-income seniors who don’t qualify for Medicaid. The program is designed to provide government assistance for caregivers of elderly parents to help them live at home longer. It offers help with case management, personal care, transportation, and adult day care.

Services may vary, depending on the county you live in. For more information, contact your local Area Agency on Aging. Benefits typically include:

• Help paying for adult day care or companion services
• Case management
• Transportation assistance
• Zero charge or a co-payment for in-home help with activities of daily living (ADL), chores, housekeeping, meal preparation, and personal care

General Eligibility

EISEP is open to people who are 60 or older and in need of help with ADLs. To be eligible, the individual must not be eligible for services through Medicaid. The ability to remain safe while in their homes is another requirement. Depending on the applicant’s income level and household size, the state may pay 100% of the costs or a portion of the costs.

New York State’s CDPAP

Caregivers can receive payment from the state for the caregiving services they provide. Changes made in 2011 paved the way for the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program. Today, care recipients can select their own care providers, including family members, if they meet program criteria. Because requirements may vary among different counties, it’s advisable to check on eligibility through your local Area Agency on Aging.

Benefits include:

• Recipients have the freedom to choose their own caregivers.
• Caregivers who qualify can get paid by the state to provide services, including assistance with ADLs.
• Applying is easy through the New York State Department of Health website.

General Eligibility

Recipients must undergo a community health assessment and a determination made by the New York Independent Assessor. Additionally, care recipients must be able to make informed choices or have a designated representative who can help them make those choices.

Caregivers can be anyone legally allowed to work in the state, including friends or adult relatives who do or do not reside with the recipient. Some restrictions apply. For example, husbands and wives cannot be hired to care for their spouses.

National Family Caregiver Support Program

This federal program helps New York State fund various supportive services that help ease the challenges caregivers face. It’s provided through local Area Agencies on Aging and includes support programs, counseling, training, and help with respite care. Respite care gives caregivers a much-needed break or support when they are unable to provide care due to illness or travel.

Benefits include access to services such as:

• Information about the most current opportunities and services to support caregivers.
• Individual caregiver counseling and support groups to help aid problem solving and decision-making.
• Training to help caregivers improve specific skills, including health, financial management, communication, providing personal care, and nutrition.
• Respite care, both in-home and out-of-home.

General Eligibility

To be eligible, caregivers must be adult family members or informal caregivers at least 18 years old who provide care to individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s disease or related conditions or to someone age 60 or older.

Caregivers may also be older relatives at least age 55 who are not parents providing care to children younger than 18. Older relatives who are 55 or older (including parents) who provide care to adults between 18 and 59 years old who have disabilities may also qualify.

When Caregiving Isn’t Enough

Many caregivers eventually face a pivotal fork in the road when their services are no longer enough, despite their outstanding efforts.

Statistics from the Family Caregiver Alliance show that caregivers spend an average of just over 24 hours a week caring for their loved ones. For many caregivers, those hours are squeezed in between work and other family responsibilities. Four out of 10 caregivers are in high-stress situations, with many of them subject to stress and burnout.

Even after working yourself to the bone, your loved one may still experience increased frailty, worsening health conditions, and other signs that it’s time for assisted living. Judson Meadows designed its community to provide a balance of independence and assistance, allowing residents to enjoy rich social interactions and multiple levels of care to alleviate the burden on caregivers and their families.

Contact Judson Meadows to Learn More

We can help walk you through all your options, from financial assistance to advice on moving into Judson Meadows.

Our caring staff members are always happy to answer questions and provide support. From respite care to assisted living and more, we can help. Contact us today to learn more or to schedule a tour.