caregiver supports
Family caregivers that have strong support help those they care for stay in their homes longer and improve their quality of life. Family caregivers can be caring for an older relative, a spouse or partner, a child, a grandchild or some other relative. Also, a family caregiver could be caring for someone who is not a relative, but the relationship is such it feels like family.
Learn more about:
family caregiver support program
The Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) is a service available to unpaid caregivers of adults needing care and living in WashingtonState.
There are local CLC offices throughout the state staffed with caring and knowledgeable Family Caregiver Support Program specialists who can help you:
- Find local resources/services.
- Find caregiver support groups and counseling.
- Get training on specific caregiving topics.
- Get respite care if you need a break.
Talk through specific issues you are having and offer practical information and caregiving suggestions.
Generally, these services are offered free or at low cost. Certain eligibility requirements may apply and availability varies from community to community.
If looking for caregiver resources click here.
KINSHIP PROGRAM SERVICES
Kinship caregivers are caregivers raising their relatives’ children when the child’s parent is unable to do so.
Kinship caregivers often want information and access to the following kinds of services and supports:
- Benefits and Services
- Healthcare
- Parenting Skills
- Legal Issues (e.g. custody, guardianship, adoption)
- Education Services
- Support Groups
- Counseling
Kinship Navigator Program
Kinship Navigators are people whose job it is to help you “navigate” through the system. They will talk with you and help you find local services and programs. Kinship Navigators are available to answer questions for relatives who live in 30 counties throughout the state.
Kinship Caregiver Support Program
Financial Help for Grandparents and Relatives Raising Children: If you are a relative raising a child and are struggling to make ends meet you might want to make contact with the Kinship Caregivers Support Program located in your county.
This program provides short-term support for relatives raising a child, such as:
- First/last month rent deposit;
- School clothes or uniforms;
- Transitional Counseling;
- Legal fees related to uncontested custody cases;
- Furniture; and
- Utility Costs.
If looking for kinship resources click here.
kinshipcare@dshs.wa.gov for connecting to Kinship Program Services staff.
Lifespan respite WAshington
Lifespan Respite Washington consists of:
- A respite voucher program that provides a time of relief from caregiving tasks.
- Vouchers are available for qualified unpaid family caregivers
- Tribal respite voucher pilot program
- Statewide respite coalition:
- Participants include family caregivers and staff organizations across the state
- Projects to expand respite and other unpaid family caregiver supports
To find out more information, go to the Lifespan Respite Washington website.
Medicaid alternative care
Medicaid Alternative Care (MAC) is a program to support unpaid family caregivers who are helping an older adult (care receiver) live at home.
Basic eligibility information
The care receiver must be:
- Age 55 or older and the caregiver must be age 18 or older
- Receiving Apple Health (Medicaid) benefits
- In need of help with some activities of daily living, like bathing, walking, medications, etc.
What kinds of services and supports are available?
- Housekeeping and errands
- Support groups and counselling
- Specialized medical equipment or supplies
- Respite care options
- Training opportunities
- Adult Day Health or Adult Day Care
- Information about caregiving resources in your community
TAILORED SUPPORT FOR OLDER ADULTS
Tailored Supports for Older Adults (TSOA) is a program to support unpaid family caregivers and individuals who do not have a caregiver, but who live at home.
Basic eligibility information
The care receiver must be:
- Must be age 55 or older and if there is a caregiver, the caregiver must be age 18 or older
- Income and resources can be above the Medicaid limits.
- Must need help with some activities of daily living, like bathing, walking, medications, etc.
There are local CLC offices throughout the state staffed with caring and knowledgeable specialists who can help you choose a program that makes sense for your situation.
Services and supports available
- Personal assistance services, including personal care and nurse delegation, for individuals without a family caregiver
- Housekeeping and errands
- Support groups and counseling
- Specialized medical equipment or supplies
- Respite care options for unpaid family caregivers
- Training opportunities
- Adult Day Health or Adult Day Care
- Information about caregiving resources in your community
