Family Caregiver Support Program

"Home is where you want to be, no matter what your age."

Are you providing care for someone 60 years of age or older? You may be eligible to receive monthly financial support to help pay for personal care services, temporary respite, incontinence supplies, over the counter medications, and supplies. Grants for home modifications, supplies, and/or assistive devices may also be available.

Thanks to relatives, friends and neighbors, many people who are older or who have a disability are able to live in their own home or apartment, or in the home of their caregiver. In addition, children whose parents are absent may need to rely on an older adult member of their extended family for care and a home. 

Family Caregiver Support Program

The major focus of the Family Caregiver Support Program is to reinforce the care being given to frail family members at home by reimbursing some of the costs. The major benefit is that it allows caregivers to choose from available services to provide the type and quality of care they would like to keep their loved ones at home. The caregiver does not need to reside with the family member receiving care. The package of benefits begins with an assessment to determine what best meets the needs of the caregiver and care recipient. Benefits may also include counseling, education, and financial information. A care manager will assist the family with their choices and options.

The Family Caregiver Support Program takes a cost-sharing approach. Families may receive from $200 to $500 per month to help with out-of-pocket expenses, paid by the caregiver, ranging from respite care to adult day care or in-home services. In addition, a one-time grant of up to $2,000 may be given to qualified families to modify the home, to purchase assistive devices, or to accommodate the frail relative. Approved adaptations might include installing a stair glide, a wheelchair ramp or modifying a bathroom. Eligibility for the Family Caregiver Program is determined on a sliding scale and is based on household income. Household income must meet program guidelines for reimbursement (copy of household income must be provided).

Grandparent Program

MCOSS began accepting referrals in 2001, for older adult grandparents (55 years and older), who are raising children under the age of 18. In the event that OSS needs to establish a waiting list (due to the limitation of available slots), priority for services under the Grandparent Program will be granted to grandparents providing care to children with mental retardation or other developmental disabilities. Caregivers/families may be eligible to receive approximately $200 per month for reimbursements (determination made by OSS staff). The reimbursements are to assist caregivers with monthly expenses for the care recipient (child) and, in some cases, the caregiver. In addition, a one-time grant up to $2,000 may also be available for assistive devices and home modifications. Household income must meet program guidelines for reimbursement (copy of household income must be provided)

Requirements for referrals

• Caregiver must be 55 years of age or older
• Care recipients must be 18 years of age or younger. Priority will be given to those families with children who have mental retardation / developmental disabilities
• Care recipient must reside with older adult caregiver
• Household income must meet program guidelines for reimbursement (copy of household income must be provided)

Contact Us for Information

Montgomery County Office of Senior Services at 610-278-3601 and ask to speak to an enrollment specialist.

Resources

Elder Abuse Hotline - 1-800-734-2020