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Caregiver Program
Purpose
Our purpose is to provide a comprehensive referral and service system for families and individuals who are caregivers to elders who are chronically ill or who have a life-altering physical, mental, or developmental disability, and grandparents providing care to a grandchild. Services available include:
- Assistance to caregivers in gaining services
- Caregiver training
- Counseling
- Information about services
- Respite services to complement care provided by caregivers
- Support groups
Eligibility
Eligible persons include:
- Adult family members or another individual caring for frail older persons 55 years old or older who have at least two assisted daily living needs
- Caregiver for a child 19 years old and younger with a severe developmental disability or handicap
- Grandparents 55 years old or older who are primary caregivers residing with a child 18 years old or younger and have a legal relationship with the child or are raising the child
An eligible person must be a resident of Ottawa County and be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe with a valid Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood card.
Respite Care
Respite care provides the caregiver with time off from their caregiving duties. The caregiver chooses his/her own respite worker and determines the rate of pay and number of hours worked per respite worker. Respite can range from a few hours a day to a week or more. When respite takes place, the length of time depends on the needs of the family and the available resources. It is usually planned; however, emergency care is sometimes needed.