Providing Dementia-Specific Services to Family Caregivers: North Carolina's Project C.A.R.E. Program

Abstract

Although options for family caregivers in the United States have expanded, many families are not reached by support services because of geographical and cultural isolation. North Carolina, one of 38 states participating in the Alzheimer's Disease Demonstration Grants to the States program, targets underserved rural and minority caregivers through Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty). Under this program, families can receive up to $2,000 annually for services ranging from community-based respite to more comprehensive care (in-home and overnight respite, training, and emotional support). Services are coordinated by a family consultant (FC) at each of the program's three sites (Asheville, Charlotte, and Winston-Salem). Since the program's inception in 2001, the FCs have successfully developed a network of support services where none previously existed. Project C.A.R.E. serves as a model to other states in delivering dementia-specific services to vulnerable populations.

Keywords

rural and minority caregivers dementia-specific services family consultant case study

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