Family Caregiver Program

Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S.

Many caregivers work and also provide care, experiencing conflicts between these competing responsibilities. Research indicates that caregiving also exacts a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll. With nearly half of all caregivers older than age 50, many are vulnerable to a decline in their own health. Studies have shown that coordinated support services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress, and enable them to provide care longer, which avoids or delays the need for costly institutional care.

No one should have to struggle through the process alone, it takes a team to provide care for an elderly loved one. The Family Caregiver Support Program helps caregivers find the tools and services to build and or support that team!

Caregiver Balance
Being a family caregiver often comes with some inherent stress. Caregiver Balance is aimed at giving caregivers hands on, time tested tools for stress management. We have exercise books, guided imagery CDs and a booklet with tips to help identify stress, and offers some tips on stress management. All of these materials are free of charge. If you would like more information about Caregiver Balance, please contact Regina Vonhasseln at 573-335-3331 ext. 106 or Paula Fann ext. 125.

Caregiver Support Group
Support groups are an important and effective way for caregivers to support each other. A monthly on line support group is held on the last 3rd Wednesday of each month at 2:00. Each meeting consists of 20 minutes of information and education followed by time for caregivers to share experiences and solutions with each other. The meetings are held virtually at this time with the hope of adding a face to face group later. For more information please contact or Regina Vonhasseln 573-335-3331ext. 106 or Paula Fann ext. 125.

Respite Services

There are no strict financial guidelines. These services are awarded on a caregiver burden basis. The services of the respite worker must relieve an unpaid family caregiver. It is not necessary for the caregiver to live in residence with the care receiver. However, there must be a legitimate need for respite.

Traditional respite is a contracted service provided through Elara Caring and Genesis,(all 18 counties), All Ways Caring (Iron, Madison, St. Francois), VNA (Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Scott) and Advantage Home Care (all counties except Carter) and Delta New Hope In Home Services (Bollinger, Butler, Cape Girardeau, Dunklin, Mississippi, New Madrid, Pemiscot, Perry, Scott, Stoddard, Wayne). These contract providers are responsible for staffing, scheduling and all other employee affairs.

“Together We Care” Self Directed Respite Program is a reimbursement program, in which the caregiver is responsible for hiring, scheduling and all other employee affairs. The FCG program reimburses up to $140 a month toward the pay of a respite worker.

Supplemental Services
Supplemental Services may provide supplies and goods necessary for keeping an elder at home which the caregiver cannot provide and are not covered by Medicare or Medicaid. These supplies are items such as nutritional supplements and incontinent supplies. An assessment is completed with the family caregiver. Assessments are evaluated and assigned a score value and supplies grants are awarded based on that score. There is a limit on supplies of up to $250. Families may re-apply every 12 months.

Information and Education for Caregivers

Caregivers Balance Support Page https://www.facebook.com/CaregiversBalance.

Caregivers Balance Alzheimer’s Association Support Group: An on line support group which meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 2:00. Contact Paula Fann by email at pfann@agingmatters2u.com or by phone at 573-335-3331 ext 125 to gain access to this secure on line support group.

Evidence based classes for caregivers: These are generally small group educational events held in a variety of locations and times across our 18-county coverage area. To get information on classes occurring in your area contact the family caregiver program 573-335-3331 ext 204.

Caregiver and Grandparenting conferences: These are generally large group educational events held at a variety of locations and times across our 18-county coverage area. They will have multiple speakers applicable to caregivers or grandparents and may provide benefits such as resource table information, providers with giveaways, lunch or snacks and care for your loved one during the event. To get information on classes occurring in your area contact the family caregiver program 573-335-3331 ext 204.

For further information you may contact us at 1800-392-8771 / 573-335-3331 or by email:
Regina Vonhasseln, Family Caregiver Program Director, reginav@agingmatters2u.com, phone ext. 106 or

Paula Fann, Assistant Case Manager, pfann@agingmatters2u.com, phone ext. 125.

Helpful Links:

Visit our Caregivers Balance Facebook Page