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Background
The Customized Caregiver Training & Relief Program is known publicly as the Missouri Caregiver Program. It supports caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across Missouri through education, respite care, and assistive technology services. This program is designed to reduce stress, improve communication, make home safety improvements, and provide partial reimbursement for qualified care-related expenses. The Missouri Caregiver Program exists to help caregivers provide the best quality of life possible for their loved ones while reducing emotional and financial burdens and enabling persons with dementia to reside safely in their homes as long as possible.
Eligibility
The Missouri Caregiver Program is offered completely free of charge to caregivers in the state of Missouri. To qualify for the program:
- The care recipient’s residence must be in Missouri.
- The caregiver must live in the same home as the care recipient (persons residing in long-term care facilities are not eligible)
- The care recipient must have a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia
Enrollment in the program is contingent upon funding availability and is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis
Customized Caregiver Training provides hands-on instruction and education so the caregiver can manage challenging behaviors, learn care strategies, and improve quality time at home. Trained staff make a free, confidential, in-home assessment, provide caregiver education, and link caregivers to additional community resources.
Customized Caregiver Relief provides financial assistance and assistive technology to caregivers living with and caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Resources are provided to caregivers to cover expenses related to the use of respite care services and/or the purchase of products and services required to care for the person living with dementia.
Possible assistive devices or services could include:
- Assessment and care coordination
- In-home care
- Adult day care
- Incontinence products
- Safety and supportive programs
- Education programs
- Counseling services
- Nutritional supplements
- Emergency respite
- Assistive technology and devices for monitoring the safety the person with dementia
Financial assistance for subsequent award periods is also contingent on continued eligibility and continued program funding. Services paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or any other source cannot be reimbursed to the caregiver
Resources
The Missouri Caregiver Program is currently administered through a contract with Community Asset Builders (CAB). To enquire about enrolling in the program, please contact CAB at 573.415.7343 or visit this website https://cabllc.com/caregiver-training-and-relief-program/
For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, visit https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/chronic/alzheimers/.
For additional resources related to general caregiving, visit https://health.mo.gov/seniors/aaa/caregiver-services.php.
Questions related to the Missouri Caregiver Program can be directed to the Bureau of Senior Programs at 573.526.4542