Caregiver Support and Resources

Find Support

Caregivers provide important support for their loved ones, but there are times when they could use a helping hand.

Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) provide a variety of support services for caregivers and care recipients, including contact information for respite providers, education, training and support services. ADRCs partner with a broad range of community partner organizations that help with personal care, chores, transportation, medication management, durable medical equipment needs, benefits counseling and emotional support, in addition to critical housing, meals and utility assistance. Use this search tool to help you find the ADRC serving your area.

Benefits

Some support services may be covered through a benefits program. Care recipients and caregivers may find it helpful to learn more about eligibility and the programs available.

In-home Care and Personal Attendant Services

In-home care and personal attendant services can help with activities that support daily living, such as bathing, meal prep and housekeeping, and can provide caregivers with a needed break.

Transportation and Meals

Accessible transportation and home-delivered meals provide caregivers and their loved ones with affordable options that promote independence and health.

Medication Management

Keeping track of multiple medications can be confusing. The National Institute on Aging provides these medication management tips for older adults and their caregivers.

More Resources

  • Medicaid Recipients and Their Caregivers

    Some Medicaid Home and Community-based Services (HCS) recipients may qualify for respite. Contact your HCS program case manager or service coordinator to learn more.

    The Medicaid Health Insurance Premium Payment (HIPP) program helps families pay for employer-sponsored health insurance premiums. People of all ages enrolled in any Medicaid program, besides STAR Health, can be eligible for HIPP. Learn more on the HIPP webpage.

    Contact your Managed Care Organization (MCO) to learn about these Medicaid services and benefits:

    • Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECC): For young people who meet medical necessity criteria and are available as an alternative to private duty nursing. PPECCs can include caregiver training to optimize the recipient’s health status and outcomes and promote and support family-centered, community-based care.
    • Member Advisory Groups: STAR+PLUS and STAR Kids require MCOs to establish advisory groups consisting of members, caregivers and advocates who meet quarterly in each service area. This would provide caregivers with a forum to raise programmatic issues and concerns.
    • Changes in Condition and Service Planning (for STAR+PLUS HCBS and Medically Dependent Children Program (MDCP) (STAR Kids and STAR Health)): A change in caregiver supports is considered a “change in condition,” requiring the MCO to review the individual service plan and authorize appropriate services. In other words, the MCO is required to adjust needed services, if the level of caregiver support changes.
    • State Plan Long-term Services and Supports (for STAR+PLUS HCS services and MDCP [STAR Kids and STAR Health]): Offers services to members who may provide some indirect relief to caregivers. Examples include home-delivered meals, attendant care, minor home modifications and day activity health services.
    • Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT): Covers medical and dental appointments. NEMT can also pay for gas money if a caregiver drives a member to an appointment.
  • Caregivers in Specific Populations or Circumstances