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.