National Family Caregiver Support Program

Are you a caregiver? Many Wyoming residents may not realize they are “caregivers.” Family members are often the major providers of long-term care for older relatives or for those with disabilities. People who regularly check in on family members and/or friends, help loved ones dress or bathe, clean their homes or make their meals are indeed acting as caregivers.

Meeting the long-term care needs of loved ones who need help is often a demanding, around-the-clock job. Support is available for many Wyoming caregivers through the National Family Caregiver Support Program

What does the program offer? Help can include respite support to allow caregivers to have temporary breaks from responsibilities, support group connections and help to provide specific, needed services.

Who can the program help? The National Family Caregiver Support Program helps adults 18 and over who are caregivers for a loved one 60 years of age or older or for someone of any age who has Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia condition. In Johnson, Laramie and Sheridan counties, support is also available for older relative caregivers, 55 years of age and older, who find themselves raising their grandchildren or related children 17 years of age or younger or helping an adult 18-59 who have a disability. Also, the parent of an individual 18-59 with a disability is eligible.

Why is the program needed? It’s often said the first rule of taking care of others is taking care of yourself first. Ongoing caregiving can be rewarding, but can also lead to emotional, physical and financial burdens. Caregiver support can help avoid or delay out of home placements

Where is help available? Help from the program is available in all Wyoming counties except Albany, Niobrara, Park, Platte, Sublette, Washakie and Weston.