Maintaining the health and well-being of unpaid family caregivers is an important priority of the SEAGO Area Agency on Aging.

Through the National Family Caregiver Support Program and Older American’s Act Title III E funding, the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) at SEAGO Area Agency on Aging provides five core services to unpaid family caregivers:

1.  Information to caregivers about available services,

2.  Assistance to caregivers in gaining access and referrals to those services,

3.  Providing individual counseling and organizing peer support groups,

4.  Providing caregiver training and Trualta, an online educational platform,

5.  Facilitate access to respite care and other supplemental services.

The importance of family caregivers is widely underestimated and collaborative support creates a significant family-centered impact. Through engagement opportunities, public awareness and outreach, the Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) introduces family caregivers to the caregiving role, promotes self-identification of caregivers and provides the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to sustain their everyday circumstances. Utilizing a cross-sector approach (collaboration and critical partnerships across many agencies) the FCSP creates opportunity to share caregiver resources and expand our Area Agency on Aging’s reach and impact.

Eligibility:

A family caregiver is defined as:

An adult family member, or another individual, who is an informal provider of in-home and community care to an older individual or any individual with Alzheimer’s disease or a related neurological disorder.

Respite and Supplemental Services:

Respite care and supplemental services require a referral to our SEAGO Area Agency on Aging Central Intake for assessment. Services are available to a family caregiver who is providing care to an older individual who has been determined unable to perform at least two Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) without substantial human assistance, including verbal reminding, physical cueing, or supervision.

Respite services shall only be provided to a family caregiver who is assessed to be at moderate or high risk as determined by an assessment tool designated by the Division of Aging and Adult Services and are dependent on funding and availability of services.

Caregiver Training:

Trualta:

Access to personalized family caregiver education is available through Trualta, an online learning portal designed for families. With articles, videos, tip-sheets, and professional level training, Trualta helps family caregivers reduce stress, build confidence and provide better care for their loved ones. The platform is available in Spanish or English and offers a custom self-directed learning opportunity. You can choose the topics that interest you and learn at any time of the day and in your own home.

Trualta has a built in self-referral opportunity. By clicking on the link above and requesting additional information, a FCSP coordinator will contact you to begin the complementary enrollment.

Caregiver Workshops:

Seana Riffle, FCSP Care Coordinator is available to facilitate Caregiver workshops for your organization or in your community by calling (520) 432-2528 x 223.

Peer Support:

In the world of caregiving, support groups can be a lifeline, providing a place (in-person or virtual) to share feelings confidentially, make friends, get help navigating health care systems and learn from other caregivers. Caregivers may not be able to speak openly with family members about emotional reactions, but in a support group they can find a safe place to share.

The FCSP also promotes volunteerism as a means of supporting family caregivers through Reassurance Initiatives and Peer Support Groups. Circle of Care Support Groups are being established throughout our region and we are actively seeking volunteer facilitators.

For more information on available support groups in your community or to become a valued Family Caregiver Support Program volunteer, please contact Karen Enriquez, FCSP Coordinator (520)432-2528.

We are often asked the question about how to be “paid” to be a caregiver to a family member or someone in need.

The Department of Economic Security (DES) Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS) offers non-medical home and community based services and supports for individuals that qualify through the local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).

 DES does not offer any type of program or service by which a caregiver will be paid to care for a spouse, relative, neighbor, other loved one or another person.

Resources:

Arizona Caregiver Coalition https://azcaregiver.org/  888-737-7494

Arizona Caregiver Coalition provides a Caregiver Resource Line where caregivers can find respite, support, counseling, and advocacy for caregivers and their families and friends.

 The Arizona Caregiver Coalition (ACC) administers the Lifespan Respite grant in partnership with the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES). Funding comes from the Administration for Community Living (ACL). The respite program is at no cost to family caregivers who do not receive respite from other federal or state programs.

 The Family Caregiver Reimbursement Program assists family caregivers with a partial reimbursement for home modifications and assistive care technology to enable their qualified family member to be mobile, safe, and independent to avoid institutional care.

 Arizona Long Term Care (ALTCS) -Arizona’s version of Medicaid https://www.azahcccs.gov/members/ALTCSlocations.html  888-621-6880

Each applicant is assessed for financial and medical eligibility using a tool called the Pre-Admission Screening (PAS). To be eligible, the individual must need a level of care equal to what is provided at an intermediate level nursing facility. This usually includes a need for assistance with bathing, toileting, and dressing. Applicants are assessed by social workers or nurses who review medical records, conduct face-to-face interviews, and assess the applicant’s ability to perform activities of daily living.

AHCCCS contracts with several program contractors to provide long term care services. An ALTCS program contractor works like a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO). The program contractor works with doctors, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, hospitals, pharmacies, specialists, etc. to provide care.

Applications may also be submitted to altcsregistration@azahcccs.gov
The DE-101 form is required to begin an application.

For people with disabilities:

The Disability Information and Assistance Line (DIAL) can be reached by calling 888-677-1199 or by emailing DIAL@usaginganddisability.org at any time.

DES DDD Customer Service Center - Call Toll free: 1 (844) 770-9500 

Centers for Independent Living (CILs)   https://azsilc.org/centers/  (866) 229-5553

CILs are typically non-residential, private, non-profit, consumer-controlled, community-based organizations providing services and advocacy by and for persons with all types of disabilities. Their goal is to assist individuals with disabilities to achieve their maximum potential within their families and communities. Independent Living Centers also serve as a strong advocacy voice on a wide range of issues. They work to assure physical and programmatic access to housing, employment, transportation, communities, recreational facilities, and health and social services.

Mental Health

988 — the number for people to contact during a mental health, substance use or suicide crisis for support —