The Caregiver Support Program provides supportive services to help unpaid caregivers care for their loved ones who are elderly and frail, physically disabled, or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a similar condition. This program not only helps to prevent and / or delay institutional placement of the care recipients, but it also helps to prevent caregiver burnout. Respite care, which is assistance provided to caregivers to relieve them of caregiving responsibilities for a short period of time, is one of the major benefits of this program.
The Caregiver Program is provided under the administration of the South Dakota Department of Human Services, Division of Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS).
There are subtle variations in the qualification criteria for the different services. Generally speaking, the following factors are considered:
Caregiver benefits may include:
Respite Care
One of the main supports of the Caregiver Program is respite care. This type of care offers short-term care assistance (both in-home and out-of-home, such as adult day care) to relieve primary caregivers of their responsibilities and provide them a break. Support may include companionship for the care recipient, assistance with daily living activities, basic housecleaning, and preparation of meals.
It is most efficient to begin the Caregiver Support Program application process by contacting your LTSS Regional Office. A complete list of offices, contact information and the geographic areas they serve is available here.
Limited program information can be found here.