The Alabama Cares Program is one of many programs that support the U.S. Administration on Aging’s Choices for Independence initiative. As part of the National Family Caregivers Support Program in the Older Americans Act, Alabama Cares provides support services to family caregivers to help them care for their aging loved ones and themselves.

To be eligible, a care recipient must (a) have an unpaid caregiver who provides care a minimum of two or three times per week, and (b) be age 60 or older and (c) need help with at least three activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, walking, toileting, taking medications, cooking, household chores, business or transportation.

There is no income limit, but there is a cost share based on the care recipient’s income. Priority is given to caregivers over age 60 and those in greatest economic and/or social need, or at risk of institutionalization, particularly those in rural areas, and those caring for someone with dementia.

Services provided by the Alabama Cares program include:

• Information and education in group settings such as health fairs and other public education events;
• Assistance to caregivers on an individual basis to help them access services. This includes assessing the client’s needs, information on available services and resources, and assistance in obtaining the services.
• Counseling, advice, guidance and instruction about options and methods of care and support provided through individual counseling, support groups or caregiver training.
• Respite care -- temporary, substitute support of the care recipient which provides a brief period of relief or rest to the caregiver. Respite care may include personal care, sitter/companion or light housework. Adult daycare is also available.
• Supplemental services provided on a limited basis to complement care given by caregivers may include incontinent and other medical supplies, emergency response systems, assistive technology and nutritional supplements.

The Alabama Cares Program also recognizes a special group of caregivers age 55 and older who are the primary caregivers of related children. A limited amount of funds is available for senior caregivers caring for a child/children under age 18 or over 18 if they have a mental or developmental disability. For more information click on Grandparents and Relative Caregivers.

For more information on the Alabama Cares Program call CAAC at 334-240-4666 or 800-264-4680.