If you are at least 60 years old and are the main person caring for another adult, the Iowa Family Caregiver program might be able to help you with this important job.
Other caregivers can also receive help. Adults at least 55 years old who are the main caregiver of minor grandchildren and adults at least 55 who care for a disabled person of any age are eligible for help.
What is meant by “help” from the Iowa Family Caregiver program? Funding may be available for respite care, such as short term stays in a nursing home or in-home professional care for a short period.
Respite can be used to provide the usual caregiver a break or when the usual caregiver needs to be away due to a health need or other business.
The Family Caregiver program may also fund adult day care, personal alert systems (“Lifeline” buttons to wear) or other needed services, such as helping you check whether the dependent person’s Medicare Part B will cover any necessary home health care and medical equipment.
Caregiving is vitally important work, and caregiver stress is a danger. Women make up the majority of caregivers, and they are especially at risk for the harmful health effects of caregiver stress, which can include health problems such as depression or anxiety.
How do you connect with this program? Call Health Navigation at Dallas County Public Health at 515-993-3750 or visit the Iowa Family Caregiver website.
It’s worth checking.
Ann Cochran is the health navigation coordinator in the Dallas County Public Health Department.
