In our area, AAA provides respite and homemaking services and asses charges on a sliding scale according to the total household income. They also provide Meals on Wheels for seniors whose incomes are below a certain level. For more information, visit the Website of the National Assocation of Area Agencies on Aging.

The National Family Caregivers Association also maintains a Website that that lists extensive resources, including sources of respite care. The organization conducts workshops and sponsors the Caregiver Community Action Network (CCAN) of local volunteers who may be able to give you personal guidance.

The local or regional chapter of the support group for your loved one’s illness also may provide help. Our regional office of the Alzheimer’s Association pays for a few days of adult day care. That brief respite may provide enough time to search for a long-term solution. The Alzheimer’s Association also maintains an extensive library of resources on caregiving and sponsors the Safe Return program, which provides IDs so you and your loved one can be identified if you become incapacitated while on an outing with them or your loved wanders away.

My last post featured Medicare as a source of short-term help. My next post will address often overlooked sources of help that are closer than you think.

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