Help ADS Identify Caregiver Needs

by Margaret Casey, ADS Planner

Aging and Disability Services (ADS) the locally designated Area Agency on Aging plans, funds and provides a range of support services for informal caregivers. "Informal caregivers" are family members or close friends who are primary caregivers for their loved one. 

Click here to see a list of the support services we provide for caregivers, either directly or through other community agencies.

In 2005, ADS will re-allocate all of the State and Federal Caregiver Support funds.  As part of that process, we would like as broad as possible input from the public. If you have particular ideas about what either you as a caregiver find most helpful, or if you are not a primary caregiver for someone, but still have ideas that might be helpful, please let us know.

Here are some questions to guide you:

Considering the various ways that Aging & Disabilities currently addresses the needs of unpaid* Family Caregivers:

• Are we meeting the needs of unpaid caregivers, as you see them?
• What services most meet caregivers' needs?
• How might we better meet the needs of unpaid family caregivers?
• What further suggestions could you make?

We currently provide the following service components to our Family Caregiver Support Program:

1. Information
2. Assistance
3. Individual counseling, support groups, caregiver training, etc.
4. Supplemental Services, including the Cash & Counseling Program and unusual Respite Care needs that are not able to be met under the regular Respite Care program
5. Respite Care

Please send your e-mail comments to margaret.casey@seattle.gov.

(* Note: none of the resources under the Family Caregiver Support Program may be used for families who get paid to care for a loved one.)