Program Description
The Caregiver 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).
Eligibility Guidelines
There are subtle variations in the qualification criteria for the different services. Generally speaking, the following factors are considered:
- Age: Caregivers must be a minimum of 18 years old, while care recipients must be at least 60 years of age. Care recipients can be under the age of 60 if diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another related dementia or are physically disabled.
- Residency: All services described here are open to South Dakota residents only. No length of residency is required.
- Functional Ability: An inability of care recipients to perform daily living tasks oneself or the lack of family / caregiver support for a specific task is typically a qualifying factor. Examples would be the inability to dress oneself, move from one location to another independently, prepare meals, or do light housecleaning.
- Financial: This program is unique in that there are no income or asset limits. However, program participants may be asked to give a donation, although there is no requirement to do so.
Benefits and Services
Caregiver benefits may include:
- Care coordination
- Information and help in obtaining services
- Caregiver training and counseling
- Supplemental services
- Respite care
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
- Meal preparation
- Light housekeeping
- Help with personal hygiene
Caregivers will meet with a case manager to assess eligibility for respite care. This assessment helps determine the level of care needed, including the number of hours and how often.
How to Apply / Learn More
To apply, caregivers should contact Dakota at Home at 833-663-9673, or an online referral form can be found here.
More program information can be found here.
