Wyoming Providing Health & Support for Family Caregivers

Wyoming Department of Health, which includes the Division of Developmental Disabilities, is providing health and support for family caregivers.  According to the news release, the National Family Caregiver Support Program helps adults who are caregivers for loved ones or friends 60 or older or for someone who has Alzheimer’s Disease or a related dementia condition.  Support is also available for grandparents, or other family member caregivers 55 or older who find themselves raising their grandchildren 17 years of age or younger.

They also highlight the caregiving needs of those helping adults with disabilities.  “Family members are often the major providers of long term care,” said Jeanne Scheneman, National Family Caregiver Support Program Manager.  “These caregivers are generally acting out of love as well as need, but it’s not easy for them.

Support available through the program includes:  Respite care, information to caregivers about available services, and individual counselling.  Scheneman said “Programs for caregivers can play an important role in avoiding or delaying out of home placements.”  “We want to help people care for their loved ones at home as long as possible.”