Caring for an elderly or functionally impaired family member or friend can result in added responsibilities and overwhelming stress. But help is available.
Atlantic County offers assistance to eligible caregivers who provide uncompensated daily care to an adult 18 years of age or older who has functional impairments resulting from an accident, illness or natural aging process.
“Atlantic County residents who find themselves in the position of caring for a loved one must know they are not alone,” Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson said in a news release. “It is a difficult situation, but services are available to aid the caregiver and help ensure their own physical and mental health is not compromised.”
The Statewide Respite Care Program is a state funded program that is administered and overseen by Atlantic County. Services are provided to reduce, delay or prevent the need for institutionalization. The program enables caregivers to continue to provide care so their loved one or friend may remain in their own home and community.
The program can provide homemaker and home health aide services, companion services, medical and social adult health services, temporary care in a licensed medical facility or assisted living facility and Caregiver Directed Option services.
Eligible applicants must meet the medical and financial criteria for admission. Financial verification of all income must be provided. Monthly income may not exceed $2,742 per month for a single person or $5,484 per month for a couple, and liquid resources must be below $40,000 for an individual and $60,000 for a couple.
All services are based on availability and state service cap limitations. There may be a co-pay cost-share based on applicant’s income.
For more information, please contact the Atlantic County Division of Intergenerational Services at 1-888-426-9243.
