South Dakota SOS For Caregivers Struggling To Make Ends Meet
People are living longer than ever. While this is great news, it also poses some challenges. More Americans need caregivers. Family members often fill this role and face financial difficulties as a result.
In this article, we’ll talk about the types of financial challenges South Dakotan caregivers face. We also go over how some family members can be paid for their caregiving duties. Finally, we provide the names of some South Dakota state resources for struggling families and caregivers.
If you’re looking for more caregiving information and live in South Dakota, you have free access to Trualta resources. If you live in another state, check to see if you have free access using this link.
What Financial Challenges Do Caregivers Face?
According to a 2023 report, 20% of American adults provide unpaid care for a loved one. This causes financial challenges for many family caregivers for several reasons:
- They’re working without compensation.
- Their caregiving duties limit the time they can do paid work at their place of business.
- Many caregivers face negative consequences at work because of these responsibilities. For example, they may be late to work or miss shifts.
- Working less impacts a caregiver’s ability to save for retirement or use benefits.
- Caregivers are increasingly young. This is when career advancements are particularly beneficial.
- Caregivers may spend their own money on supplies.
Polls show that caregivers have more debt than non-caregivers. They also have fewer financial assets. Women are more likely to be caregivers and to have financial difficulties as a result.
Can I Get Paid To Be A Family Caregiver?
One way to make ends meet is to become a paid family caregiver. If you’re currently unpaid as you provide care for a loved one, you could be eligible. Medicaid programs in multiple states offer waivers or self-directed care. These are programs that allow family members to be compensated for their work.
South Dakota’s Structured Family Caregiving provides a stipend for eligible family caregivers. Eligible caregivers also receive ongoing training and support.
The purpose of this state program is to help older and disabled adults stay in their homes longer. Caregivers benefit by being compensated for their work. Contact Dakota at Home to find out if you’re eligible and to apply for the program.
Additional Resources For South Dakota Caregivers
You may not qualify for Structured Family Caregiving in the state of South Dakota. Even if you do, you might still need some support. Local, state, and national resources can help you and your care recipient. Use these quick links to access resources you can use:
- South Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS). The state DHS offers several resources for caregivers. These include training, temporary respite, adult day services, and the Structured Family Caregiving Program.
- Division of Long Term Services and Supports (LTSS). LTSS is a part of the DHS. It offers home and community services to eligible older adults. If your loved one qualifies, they could get personal care, meals, and other services.
- AARP South Dakota (AARP SD). The South Dakota branch of the AARP advocated for a change to state law in 2023. The new law funds adult day centers. This helps family caregivers get respite care and take breaks from their duties. The centers are helpful if you’re juggling caregiving and paid work. AARP SD also has a Helpline Center for unpaid caregivers. Use the Helpline to get support from trained staff.
- VA Black Hills Health Care System. The Veterans Administration provides support for veterans and their caregivers. Contact officers at the VA Black Hills locations in the Rapid City area for local services. The VA in Sioux Falls also has resources. The physical address for locations can be found on their websites.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP can help if you struggle to provide healthy food for your loved one. Low-income South Dakota residents are eligible for benefits.
- National Council on Aging (NCOA). NCOA is a national resource. NCOA can help you find caregiving financial resources. These include assistance using Medicare and finding family caregiver grants.
Caregiving is an invaluable service. It’s hard to put a price on caring for a loved one. Many caregivers are dedicated to their family members but struggle financially. These resources can help you and your loved one make ends meet.
If you live in South Dakota, you have free access to Trualta resources for more information about caregiving support. If your mailing address is in another state, like New York, check if you have free access using this link.
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