Family Caregiver Support Program
You don’t have to do this alone. Free respite, training, and support for family caregivers across the Midlands.
What Is the Family Caregiver Support Program?
The Family Caregiver Support Program provides assistance to individuals who care for family members aged 60 and older with health problems, as well as those caring for individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.
In South Carolina, family members provide the majority of long-term care. The psychological and physical demands on unpaid caregivers are often overwhelming. This program exists to recognize your vital role and give you the tools and relief you need to continue.
Services We Provide
- Information: Public education and outreach about available support services, programs, and entitlements
- Assistance: Help accessing services, completing applications, and navigating eligibility requirements
- Counseling, Education & Training: Individual advice and group training on caregiving skills, stress management, safety, and problem-solving
- Respite Care: Temporary relief from caregiving responsibilities through paid in-home respite, adult day care, or facility-based respite vouchers
- Supplemental Services: Limited assistance with the cost of items such as home safety supplies, nutritional supplements, and incontinence supplies
Respite Care Programs
Respite care gives caregivers a temporary break while ensuring their loved one receives quality care. We administer several respite programs:
SC Respite
- Caregivers aged 60+ with respite needs, including those caring for persons with Alzheimer’s or related memory disorders
- Senior parents (age 60+) with adult children with disabilities
- Grandparents or other relatives (age 60+) raising children
Alzheimer’s Respite
- Individuals caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder
- Requires a doctor’s written diagnosis
Family Caregiver Support Program Respite
- Caregivers caring for someone over age 60 with health problems
- Caregivers of any age caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Seniors (age 55+) raising children 18 and under
- Seniors (age 55+) caring for adults (ages 19–59) with disabilities
Eligibility & Restrictions
- You cannot receive respite funding from two different sources simultaneously (including Caregiver Support Program, Community Long Term Care, Hospice, Medicaid PACE, VA in-home care, or SC Respite Coalition Vouchers)
- Priority is given to caregivers who provide direct, hands-on care for their loved ones
- Alzheimer’s caregivers must provide a doctor’s written diagnosis
- Respite vouchers are typically valid for 90 days from issue date
- When demand exceeds capacity, applicants may be placed on a waiting list
How to Apply
- Contact our caregiver support coordinator to discuss your situation.
- Complete a brief intake and needs assessment.
- Receive an application packet for the appropriate respite program.
- Submit the completed application with any required documentation (diagnosis letter, proof of relationship, etc.).
- Once approved, you will receive a voucher or service authorization and guidance on selecting an approved provider.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
If you are a grandparent or relative caregiver (age 55+) raising a child 18 or under, you may be eligible for specialized caregiver support services. This includes access to respite, supplemental services, and support groups specifically for kinship caregivers.
Caregiver Support Groups
We can connect you with local caregiver support groups in your county. Sharing experiences with other caregivers reduces isolation and provides practical coping strategies. Ask about virtual and in-person options.
Are You Experiencing Caregiver Burnout?
Signs that you may need support include:
- Feeling exhausted even after rest
- Increased anxiety, irritability, or depression
- Withdrawing from friends and activities
- Neglecting your own health needs
- Feeling that you have no choice but to continue
Asking for help is a sign of strength, not failure. Contact us today.
Related Services
- Information & Referral — For help finding home care, adult day care, and other community services
- Medicare Counseling — If your loved one needs help with Medicare coverage for treatments or equipment
- Senior Nutrition — For home-delivered meals to ease your daily burden
- Ombudsman Program — If you are considering or dealing with a long-term care facility