Family Caregiver Grants

By Armina Hill

According to the Administration on Aging, part of the federal Department of Health and Human Services, families are the major provider of long-term care. They assume physical, financial and emotional burdens to take care of an aged or sick family member. A family caregiver could be a spouse, a parent, an adult child or the nearest relative. A handful of grant programs support those who are performing this vital task.

Aid and Attendance Pension, a program of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, provides financial benefits to veterans or their surviving spouses who cannot function completely on their own. The veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty. Eligible spouses are those whose marriage ended because of the death of the veteran. Military members with a service-related injury may also qualify for monthly compensation. Grant amounts are based on level of disability and number of dependents.

Veterans Benefits Administration

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

810 Vermont Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20420

800-827-1000

va.gov

This nationwide program provides information and access to available services. It provides individual counseling, help in organizing support groups and training for family caregivers in making decisions and solving problems. It also provides respite care so caregivers have a chance to rest and pursue activities other than caring for the ill family member.

National Family Caregiver Support Program

Administration on Aging

One Massachusetts Ave. NW

Washington, DC 20001

202-619-0724

aoa.gov

The Family Caregiver Alliance has been the leading advocate for family caregivers. It lobbies lawmakers to pass bills providing financial compensation for individuals who are taking care of ill loved ones. Though California is the only state that has paid family leave law, other states provide some help to employed family caregivers. Most states allow public employees to use sick leave to care for a sick family member. California, Minnesota and Washington require private employers to allow employees to use sick leave for the same reason.

National Center on Caregiving

Family Caregiver Alliance

690 Market St., Suite 600

San Francisco, CA 94104

800-445-8106

caregiver.org

http://www.lenderva.com