National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)
The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) provides essential support services to individuals who serve as caregivers for older adults or individuals with disabilities. Established under the Older Americans Act Amendments of 2000, Public Law 106-501, this program is designed to help caregivers manage their responsibilities while maintaining their own well-being.
One of the key services offered through NFCSP is In-Home Respite Care, which is provided by a subcontracted medical team. This service delivers personal care support in the home of a qualifying individual, allowing caregivers a brief period of rest and relief from their daily responsibilities.
In this program, the caregiver is considered the client and may often be under the age of 60, while the individual receiving care is typically an older adult aged 60 or older. This makes NFCSP unique, as it is one of the few programs where services are centered on supporting caregivers who may not meet traditional age-based eligibility requirements.
NFCSP also works in collaboration with other aging service providers to deliver a range of supportive resources, helping caregivers access the tools, guidance, and assistance they need to care for their loved ones effectively.
Services Include:
Information and Assistance
Provides the caregiver with information on available resources and supportive services.
In-home Respite
Provide the caregiver with a break to help reduce caregiver isolation and decrease the chance of caregiver burnout.
Outreach
The focus is on identifying potential clients and link them to available resources in the community.
Caregiver Support Groups
The goal of the support group is to provide a forum where caregivers can share their experiences with other caregivers, promote socialization, and collect pertinent information.
Material Aid
Clients can request material aid supplies when funds are available. Material aid supplies consist of adult incontinence items and nutritional supplements.
Qualifications
Must be 18 years of age or older, reside in the Greater New Orleans area, and be a caregiver of an elderly relative over the age of 60 or a developmentally disabled relative (diagnosed before age 22).