Openings In County’s Caregiver Support Program

Potter County Area Agency on Aging has openings in its Family Caregiver Support Program. It’s designed to assist those who are caring for older relatives or friends and helping them to stay at home and remain as independent as possible. Programs provide monthly reimbursement for respite services, so that the caregiver can take a break, let someone else prepare meals, help with personal care or clean. Reimbursement is also available for assistive devices (bedside commode, lift chair, etc) and for home modifications (ramps, grab bars, stair lifts) on a limited basis. Reimbursement is made directly to the caregiver; however, family members cannot be paid for providing the care.

The State Family Caregiver Program requires the caregivers to live with the older relative they are caring for, while the Federal Family Caregiver Program allows for the care receiver and caregiver to live separately. The federal program allows for caregivers who are not related to the care recipient. There are currently openings for the state program. The county agency is also taking referrals for the federal program to be placed on a waiting list.

Reimbursement rates for services and supplies vary, based upon household income, and range from $200 to $300 per month. An additional funding source covers home modifications and assistive devices, to a maximum lifetime amount up to $2,000. For more information, contact Rhoda at 814-544-7315 or 1-800-800-2560.