We see you; we care about you and we’re here to help!
We recently added a feature to our newsletter called “Connecting Caregivers” to provide information and support to you, as one of the 53 million caregivers across the country. Specifically, as your local area agency on aging, Aging Ahead stands with you as your provider of services funded through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) AND as a knowledgeable source of information and link to community resources.
Our Spring ’24 edition listed FCSP services: In-Home Respite, Adult Day Care, Minor Home Modification, Durable Medical Equipment, Nutritional Supplements, Incontinence Products and a professional staff ready to listen and offer support.
Since spring we have added two new exciting programs!
1) Adult Day Services Respite Reimbursement Program – This pilot program offers an opportunity for a handful of participants to attend a state licensed adult day center of their choice. Aging Ahead is able to offer reimbursement for a limited number of days per week.
2) Peer-to-Peer Connection – At the urging of a caregiver who is anxious to meet with others who are living a similar situation, a virtual meeting place has been developed. Our goal is to have several small groups of caregivers meeting over Zoom bi-weekly/monthly to chat, share and support.
Services received under the Family Caregiver Support Program, and administered by Aging Ahead are authorized through our Community Options and Services Department. To learn more about these and our other support for family caregivers, reach out to our COS staff. The number for each county can be found below.
Beyond the direct services offered by Aging Ahead, our staff can discuss opportunities found in the community that may help you in your role as a family caregiver. For example, do you know…
- all of the benefits available through your loved one’s health insurance plan? Some coverage can provide transportation to medical appointments, help with home modification costs, over-the-counter medications, adaptive equipment, nutritional supplements, etc. A quick call to member services may open up a world of assistance not previously known.
- you can watch over 250 instructional videos to help improve caregiver and older adult safety in your home? This is an amazing resource with specifics taught by Adaptive Equipment and Caregiving Corner’s physical, speech, and occupational therapists.
- that St. Louis Health Equipment lending Program (STL HELP) and Aging Ahead have partnered to open a HELP HUB in South County? Through this effort, refurbished medical equipment is distributed at no cost to community members.
- under the National Family Caregiver Support Program, some services are available to Caregivers of various eligibilities? -Caregivers of Older Adults 60+, OR any age with Alzheimer’s or related dementia, Older Relative Caregiver 55+ as the primary Caregiver for an adult with a disability, Older Relative Caregiver 55+ as the primary Caregiver for a family member under 18,
We know that everyone’s caregiving experience is different. If you have particular topics of interest, please reach out. We’re here to help!
Caregivers who are interested in more information are encouraged to speak with a Community Options Specialist at the numbers below:
St. Louis County: 636-207-0847
St. Charles County: 636-579-0555
Jefferson County: 636-253-0558
Franklin County: 636-629-3143
Or by calling 1-800-243-6060
Comments 14
Daphne Phillips
I wish information was given to me in advance before I became a caregiver for my mom. I would ask agencies, Social Security, even te Alzheimers Association-attended free meetings and still, even to this day not fully informed or what’s there. I gave up to give to, my love, my mom-that’s fine. But if, way back then I knew.:)
Shirley Wells
Great information and hugely needed. I concur that this training could have served me well years ago as I cared for my dear mother.
Janet E. Ward
I think there were some good ideals.
William Hendersn
Thank you for the resouces for my family.
Brenda Morgan
Very good imformation.
Arlen Chaleff
Thank you for sontact info.
Mary Mulligan
Nice information
Roslyn Wahlbrink
Very helpful.
Oscar. Wright Sr.
would. like for. u. to. Contact. me
Thank yiu for sharing this information. My wife and I were unaware some of these resources were available.
Message
JACKIE SHELBY
Very good infor
mation
Robert
Great information to know.
margaret conners
good info
carol
very good information. thank you