Gov't Releases $128M for Caregivers

[antiquity]

Gov't Releases $128M for Caregivers
Thu Feb 7, 4:24 PM ET

WASHINGTON (AP) - States will soon receive $128 million in grants to help people who care for elderly relatives at home.


Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson approved the release of the money Thursday under the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

"With courage, compassion and dedication, family caregivers can help the elderly and people with disabilities to stay in a loving environment," Thompson said.

He said the grants will fund community services and resources, easing the burden of hundreds of thousands of family caregivers.

The services include providing information, counseling, support groups and training. Respite services are also available to give caregivers a short break when needed.

The program also assists grandparents raising grandchildren and older individuals providing care to children with mental retardation and developmental disabilities.

The money is part of $141.5 million Congress approved for the program for the current year. It is a $16.5 million increase from last year.

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On the Net:

Caregiver program: http://www.aoa.gov/carenetwork/

[joseph]

All that money and where do they stick it, in the hands of Govt. workers, more programs (yuk) give me a break.I do hope it truly benefits someone but why not put some of it in the hands of better paid nurse aids or in the hands of care providers who take off work to care for their loved ones, or maybe just give more to those who are disabled themselves, most live on pittins and could use a big cost of living increase.A big sigh, can anyone educate me and let me know how much this will actually help?Without giving me some beaurocratic bull sh$%.

[angel7]

Joseph,

I couldn't have said it better. They obviously aren't asking for input by SCIS or their caregivers. It really is a sham and a shame.

Deb

[jools]

I have been lurking on these boards for some time and haven't bothered to join because I do not live in the US so a lot of what is discussed is not relevant to our situation.

I joined specifically to agree with the comments that this money could be much better spent than on "information" programmes and so on. I live in Australia and it seems that every five minutes some group or other is being given great wads of cash to fund yet another report.

I, for one, am exhausted and could do with a little bit more than a couple of hours respite. What a waste.

[marmalady]

Hi, Jools, and welcome! We have members from all over the world, so feel free to jump in! Some of the info is more relevent to the US, but I think lots is general info, and if you need an answer to a question more specific to Australia, just ask! Between the resources of all the members, and the members who live where you do, I'm sure you'd get the help you need!

Joseph - Ya beat me to it! Took the words right out of my mouth!!!

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Tough times don't last - tough people do.