Centralina Area Agency on Agingâs (AAA) Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) provides information and assistance to caregivers throughout our nine-county region. The program does this by providing resources and education, as well as respite and supplemental services to caregivers who need help caring for their loved ones.
Shirley and Melvin Springs reside in Charlotte where they were referred by their insurance company to Centralina AAA for support services. Melvin was diagnosed five years ago with dementia. Melvin, due to his diagnosis, needs 24-hour supervision and hands-on assistance with activities related to daily living. Shirley is Melvinâs wife and primary caregiver. She assists him with bathing, dressing, transportation, meals and managing his medication. Shirley and Melvin have support from their family as well as their personal community, but Shirley was still adjusting to her new role as a caregiver and needed an extra hand with Melvinâs care.
Shirley met with her Centralina Aging Specialist through FCSP who completed an in-person assessment to confirm what supports the couple values and would benefit from in the home. They also discussed ways to assist Shirley and reduce her risk of caregiver burnout. FCSP, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, provided respite services as well as supplemental services. Respite is a break for caregivers from their normal responsibilities. Respite includes different supports such as in home aid, adult day care or respite in long term care.âŊâŊSupplemental services are services that assist caregivers with caring for their loved one and include incontinence supplies, liquid nutritional supplements, home safety modifications, medical equipment or assistive technology.
By receiving respite and supplemental services, Shirley was able to take time back for herself and even go to her granddaughterâs graduation knowing Melvin was home safe and receiving needed care. Shirley and Melvinâs respite caregiver, Barry, has provided continued services after FCSP completed its scope of involvement. Barry has become a valued pillar of support and a companion for both Shirley and Melvin.
FCSP helped reduce Shirleyâs risk of caregiver burnout as well as provided her with the support she needed to care for Melvin in their home. In addition to receiving a well-deserved break, Shirley also received referrals to programing in her community that can assist with additional respite, such as NC Department of Health and Human Serviceâs Project C.A.R.E. and Centralina AAAâs Building Better Caregivers.
