Caregiving

Last modified Wednesday, July 23, 2008 12:56

Video: "Caregiving" Interview with Mary Lou Vergara
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Caregiver Awards
Applications are now being accepted for the 2008 Caregiver of the Year Awards (PDF), presented annually by the Rosalynn Carter Institute in Americus. Regional awards are given in three categories -- family caregiver, para-professional caregiver and volunteer caregiver -- who best exemplify the criteria for the caregiving awards (PDF). State winners in each category will be selected from among the regional winners. The deadline for nominations is August 1, 2008. Nominations for caregivers in the 10-county Atlanta region should be sent to ARC. Call the caregiver program coordinator at 404.463.3524 for more information.

Caregiver Consultation
AgeWise Connection provides information and assistance to family caregivers. Our certified information specialists offer phone consultation for caregivers who need help making decisions or solving problems related to their caregiving role. Call AgeWise Connection at 404.463.3333 for this free service.

Atlanta CARE-NET 
The Rosalynn Carter Institute selected ARC as a partner in establishing community caregiving networks called “CARE-NETs” across Georgia. The CARE-Net in the Atlanta region is composed of family and professional caregivers representing Atlanta's faith-based congregations and organizations. As the Atlanta region CARE-NET, ARC advocates for enhanced services in the region, identifies the needs of caregivers and provides leadership training for lay and clergy to initiate caregiver education and support programs in their respective communities. Call the caregiver program coordinator at 404.463.3524 for more information.

Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
ARC developed the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: A Resource Guide for the Atlanta Region (PDF), in collaboration with community partners. The AgeWise Connection Resource Database has added resources that help relatives serving as surrogate parents. ARC also contracts with Clayton County Aging Program, The Institute for the Study of Disadvantage and Disability, Cobb County Senior Services, Fayette Senior Services, Gwinntt County Senior Services and Rockdale County Senior Services to provide kinship care programs. Contact AgeWise Connection at 404.463.3333 for information.

Voucher Programs
ARC contracts with three community organizations to provide caregiver voucher programs. Caregivers enrolled in the Greater Atlanta Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association “Caregiver Time Out” program are reimbursed up to $1,200 per year for the purchase of respite care in the form of inhome services, adult day care or overnight respite. The “Elder Connections” program at Jewish Family and Career Services provides vouchers of up to $1,000 annually for family caregivers to purchase in-home services, adult day care or medical supplies. Cobb County Senior Services also has a voucher program, “Share the Care,” to provide respite for families caring for those with Alzheimer’s disease. To be eligible, one must be a resident of Cobb County.  For general information on the voucher programs, contact AgeWise Connection at 404.463.3333.

Community Education
ARC can provide presentations, training and caregiver support on request to your organization. Resource material is also available for distribution. Contact the caregiver program coordinator at 404.463.3524 for more information.

For more information on any of these programs, contact us at 404.463.3524.