Iowa Family Caregiver Program: Helping Create Better Days

Iowa family caregiver programs, resources, and supports help caregivers create better days. They provide information, training, respite care, and more. You can even find a way to get paid as a family caregiver in Iowa. All of these supports help you provide better direct care. 

In this blog, we’ll talk about why support is so important for family members providing care services. Then, we’ll share some important resources. 

If you reside in Iowa, you have free access to Trualta for even more caregiving resources. If you live in another state, you can check if you also have free access to Trualta.

Why Family Caregivers Need Support

According to Iowa State University, 53 million Americans are unpaid family caregivers. This number keeps increasing. Many of these caregivers have paid jobs. They spend extra time caring for older adults or an aging parent. 

A primary caregiver is vulnerable to burnout. They may also have other mental and physical health issues. They often struggle to balance caregiving with self-care. They can easily get overwhelmed by their care responsibilities. 

The right support can help. Family caregiving for older Iowans is supported through several programs and resources. Here are some that might help you. 

Iowa Department Of Health And Human Services (HHS)

There is no single Iowa family caregiver program. The HHS offers several resources. You can contact the HHS to learn more about family caregiver support. These are some of the programs available: 

  • Free access to Trualta’s library of caregiver resources 
  • Family caregiver counseling to help make decisions and solve problems
  • Respite care service to give the primary caregiver time for self-care and personal needs
  • Caregiver support groups to connect with other caregivers
  • Dementia resources for care recipients needing memory care

Iowa Area Agencies On Aging

Iowa has six Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs). They cover all counties in the state. AAAs offer resources for older Iowans and their caregivers. 

One example is Aging Resources of Central Iowa. This group offers information, educational programs, and caregiver support programs. Find your local AAA to benefit from these programs. 

Iowa Medicaid

Iowa’s Medicaid program is a very important resource for older adults who qualify. Seniors who are eligible due to income can receive home health care. 

Iowa Medicaid offers a way to get paid for an unpaid care provider. This is important for a family member trying to balance work and unpaid personal care. 

Iowa’s program includes an Elderly Waiver. Medicaid waivers allow states to expand the minimum services outlined by the federal government. The purpose of the Elderly Waiver is to keep more older adults at home. The alternative is a nursing home or assisted living. 

The care recipient with a waiver can direct their own care. They do this by selecting a family member as their care provider. For the family member providing personal care, the waiver is a way to get paid. The number of slots available is limited. If the program is full, your loved one will be on a waiting list. 

Iowa Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)

The Iowa VA is a good resource for older veterans and their family members providing personal assistance. Your local VA office can help your loved one access federal VA benefits. These include rehabilitation services, medical care, and residential care. 

Iowa State University

Iowa State offers several caregiver programs. These include a series of caregiver classes. One option is a course for caregivers of adults with chronic conditions. It includes six 90-minute classes. Other courses offer training for communication, making caregiving decisions, and self-care. 

An older adult man sits at a dining table on his computer while his care recipient sits on the couch behind him reading a book. He is taking a Iowa Family Caregiver Program to create better days.

Respite Care

Respite is important for caregivers. It provides temporary, short-term care. This allows the family member to take a break. Respite is available for a few hours, a day, or several weeks. It is usually also available in emergency situations. 

Professional home care agencies provide respite care workers. You can typically pay for these with private insurance or out of pocket. Medicaid may also cover respite care if your loved one qualifies. If you aren’t sure how to finance respite care, contact your local AAA for resources and guidance. 

If you’re a family caregiver, use these resources and programs for support and assistance. If you need more information and reside in Iowa, you have free access to Trualta. If you live in another state, you can check if you also have free access to Trualta.

References

  1. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/shelby/family-caregivers-need-support
  2. https://hhs.iowa.gov/programs/aging-senior-care/caregiver-resources
  3. https://hhs.iowa.gov/aging-services/aaas
  4. https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/iowa-elderly-waiver/
  5. https://www.extension.iastate.edu/humansciences/ptc
  6. https://dva.iowa.gov/benefits-assistance/benefits

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