Resources and Information For Working Caregivers Sponsored by the Sussex County Board of Chosen Freeholders Provided by the Sussex County Division of Senior Services

WHAT IS A CAREGIVER? A caregiver is someone who provides care for the physical and emotional needs of a family member or friend at home. Caregivers may devote just a few hours weekly or many hours each day. It is a role for which most of us are unprepared.

CAREGIVING MAY INVOLVE:  Helping with medical procedures and/or therapy.  Assisting with personal care.  Monitoring medications.  Preparing meals.  Providing transportation.  Coordinating care with physicians.  Providing housekeeping and managing finances.

Caring for elders affects an increasing number of families:  In 1987 there were 7 million American caregivers.  In 1997 there were 22 million American caregivers.  In 1997 there were also 7 million long-distance caregivers.  47% of caregivers are employed.  The average care recipient is 78 years old and 64% are women.

LONG DISTANCE CAREGIVING  Nearly 7 million Americans provide care or manage care for a relative or friend age 55 or older who lives at least one hour away.  The number of long-distance caregivers is expected to more than double over the next 15 years.  Long distance care has become a growing concern for baby boomers.  To find local services for seniors across the nation contact the Eldercare Locator at

CHARACTERISTICS OF WORKING CAREGIVERS  More than 60% of caregivers are employed full time.  Average age of the working caregiver is 46.  50% are male, 50% are female.  More than 1/3 have children still in the household.

The Sussex County Division of Senior Services  In 2002, more than 6,430 requests for information and assistance were obtained by telephone or coming into the office.  35% of these calls were from caregivers.  Over 60% of these calls were for home care assistance.

Services offered thru the Sussex County Division of Senior Services  Information & Assistance  Senior Meal Programs  SHIP Counseling  Case Management  Home Care Programs  Housing Information  Long Term Care Options  Prescription Program Assistance

INFORMATION & ASSISTANCE SCREENING  I & A screening is done upon initial contact with the caregiver/client, be it walk-in or via telephone.  The purpose of the I & A screening is to determine what programs an individual may be qualified for.

INFORMATION NECESSARY FOR THE I&A SCREENING  Client’s name, address and phone number.  Client’s date of birth.  Client’s social security number.  Medical diagnosis/disability.  Type of service needed.  Type of insurance the client has (i.e. Medicare/Medicaid, prescription coverage.)  Client’s (& spouse’s) monthly income and asset information.

SENIOR MEAL PROGRAMS  These programs are for seniors 60 and older.  Lunches are served at 5 Congregate Nutrition Sites throughout Sussex County.  These programs are funded through federal, state and local funds along with client donations.

SHIP State Health Insurance Program  SHIP provides free, objective, confidential help to NJ Medicare beneficiaries.  Counselors may provide help with questions about Medicare, Medigap, Medicare + HMO’s and Long Term Care Insurance.  Counselors may be contacted at the Division of Senior Services and by appointment at most senior centers throughout the County.

HOME CARE PROGRAMS FOR COUNTY RESIDENTS  CAP (Community Assistance Program)  CCPED (Community Caregiving Program for Elderly & Disabled)  JACC (Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving)  RESPITE  IN-HOME CAREGIVER EDUCATION  ALP (Assisted Living Program)

CAP Community Assistance Program  Client data is provided to the Division of Social Services where each case is financially qualified & then medically assessed by a nurse from the State Medicaid Long Term Care Field Office.  Ongoing care management services are provided and arranged for clients thru the Division of Social Services.  Services include: Medical & Social Adult Day Care, meals, homemaker, chore, transportation, medical supplies, home modification, personal response systems and respite care.

CCPED WAIVER Community Caregiving Program for Elderly & Disabled  This Medicaid waiver program provides in-home support services.  Cases are financially qualified by the Division of Social Services & medically assessed by a nurse from the State Medicaid Long Term Care Field Office.  The Division of Social Services provides ongoing care management and arranges for approved services.  Services include: medical and social adult day care, homemaker/home health aide, prescription, transportation and respite care.

JACC Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving  JACC provides a broad array of in-home services and supports to seniors at risk of placement in a nursing facility.  Clients work together with a care manager to develop a Plan of Care to best meet their needs.  Services include: case management, homemaker, respite, chore services, home modification, medical equipment and supplies, home delivered meals, caregiver training, social adult day care, transportation, personal response system.

RESPITE Statewide Respite Care Program  Services are provided to the elderly and disabled who have UNPAID CAREGIVERS needing relief from the stress associated with caregiving.  Eligibility is based upon the care recipient’s not the caregiver’s income.  Care Managers arrange for contracted services which include: companion, homemaker/home health, social adult day care, temporary care in a licensed medical facility and private duty nursing.  Services are available for emergency and crisis situations as well as for routine respite care.  Cost share fees are based upon a sliding scale.

IN-HOME CAREGIVER EDUCATION  This program provides individual education & support to caregivers so they can improve their ability and effectiveness as caregivers.  A nurse meets with the caregiver to do an initial assessment, then a teaching plan is prepared.  The teaching plan may include: lifting, transferring, bathing, personal care nutrition, disease education, accessing community resources and stress management.  The caregiver must be an unpaid primary caregiver who lives with or visits the care recipient regularly to assist with daily activities.  The care recipient must be over 18 and functionally impaired, requiring the assistance of the primary caregiver to perform daily activities.

ALP Assisted Living Program  This Medicaid waiver program provides services to eligible individuals in an assisted living residence or comprehensive personal care home.  The Division of Senior Services financially qualifies clients who are then medically assessed by a nurse from the State Medicaid Long Term Care Field Office.  The Division of Senior Services provides ongoing care management services.  Services include all Medicaid State Plan services except nursing facility, personal care assistants.

SELECTING A HOME HEALTH AGENCY Determine what services are needed RN, LPN, therapist, home health aide, domestic services etc Be informed, obtain and read literature describing the agencies: Services Reimbursement Procedures Patient Rights Licenses, accreditations and insurance

TYPES OF AGENCIES Home Health Agencies Licensed by the NJ Dept of Health Aides are also licensed by the NJ Dept of Health Non Profit Homemaker Agencies Accredited by the NJ Commission on Accreditation for Home Care Employment Agencies/Temporary Agencies Licensed by the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Employment and Personnel Services

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CONTACTING AGENCIES 1.Is the agency licensed by the State? 2.Does Medicare, Medicaid or other insurance plan approve the agency? 3.What is your screening process for employees? Are they bonded? Have they undergone background checks? 4.What kind of training have your employees received? Any special training regarding care of individuals with disabilities, dementia, or other special needs? 5.Do I pay the agency or the caregiver?

QUESTIONS (CONTINUED) 6.Who is the supervisor? How often are supervisory visits made? 7.Who is responsible for finding an alternate when the worker is absent? 8.How soon is a worker available? 9.What is the minimum and maximum number of hours of service per day? 10.What are the fees and exactly what do they cover? 11.Are there any charges that might arise unexpectedly?

NJ EASE SUSSEX COUNTY DIVISION OF SENIOR SERVICES For other counties in NJ