Caregiver Program & Respite

The Caregiver Program is defined by the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) and administered by EODD Area Agency on Aging. The Caregiver Program provides the following services:

Information about services available
Assistance in Accessing Services
Training
Support Groups
Respite

Are you a caregiver?

The Caregiver Program defines a caregiver as a person of any age who is taking care of someone who is 60 years of age and older who needs assistance with at least (2) Activities of Daily Living

Eating
Bathing
Transferring
Dressing
Walking
Toileting
Supervision due to cognitive impairment (such as Alzheimer’s or dementia)

You are also a caregiver if you are age 55 or older and are raising a relative child under the age 18 for whom you provide the sole support.

Take the quiz!

See if you Qualify as a caregiver

Contact

Title III services are available to all persons 60 years of age or older regardless of income. Services provided through the Older Americans Act have no set fees or charges. The EODD Area Agency on Aging does not discriminate in admission, access or treatment on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, age, ancestry, national origin, religion or handicap.

Email at akinnell@eoddok.org

Call 918-913-9560 or 1-800-211-2116
Ask for Alysa Kinnel, Caregiver Lead

What is Respite

Respite means relief. Although caregiving can be rewarding, it can also be stressful. At times you may not know where to go for answers, emotional support, or a much-deserved break. Taking time for yourself is not selfish. It has been earned.

The caregiver program provides you with respite vouchers so that you can get relief from caregiving responsibilities. You can visit friends or family members, take a much-needed vacation, shop or get errands run, SLEEP, you can do anything you choose to do while someone is providing you with respite.

Why should I take a break from caregiving?

Taking a break from the responsibilities of care giving can make you a better caregiver overall. It cuts down on stress, will keep you healthier, and will keep you from becoming burned out on the care that you are providing. But more important, it will make you a better caregiver in the end.

How to qualify for the vouchers?

If you are currently helping someone that is 60 or older with 2 or more activities of daily living, then you CAN qualify.

You may also qualify for the program if you are a senior age 55 or older and raising a relative child under the age of 18.

What is the voucher program?

The voucher program is designed to assist the primary caregiver and allow him/her a chance for respite (relief).

How does it work?

You hire any person you choose that is 18 years or older to come in and provide the care while you get a break. This person can be a friend, family member, neighbor, someone from your church or organization, or a professional provided that they do not live with you or the person you are caring for. They do not have to be a licensed professional….unless you feel that is what is needed. After all, the caregiver is the expert. You hire, set the amount of pay, time they will provide the care, what jobs will be performed while you are away, and decide how long the care will be given. Once the care is given, you fill out the voucher, and the person you hired will mail it in to the provided address on the form and will then receive their payment by direct deposit.

Will this count against me as income?

No, because you are not actually receiving the money. It only counts as income on the person coming in and providing you the break. They are called the respite provider.

Can I receive these vouchers if I am currently receiving respite by hospice or the ADVantage program?