Dallas Family Caregiver Benefits
Family caregivers do some of the most important work in our society, and some of the hardest. As the population ages and more people care for loved ones, non-profit groups, city and county agencies, states, and health care systems are offering more support services for caregivers. It’s not only okay to take regular breaks, it’s necessary for your well-being. Here are 4 great resources for caregiver benefit and support programs in Dallas.
The Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Dallas
The Dallas chapter of the national Alzheimer’s Association serves more than 30 North Texas counties with educational programming, support groups and other services for the public, professionals, Alzheimer’s patients, and their families. There are several ways Alzheimer’s caregivers can get help from the group.
The Changing Gears program combines 8 weeks of classes for early-stage patients with a follow-up series of separate support group meetings for patients and their family caregivers.
Caregiver’s Day Out programs give you a chance to run errands, exercise, visit with friends or just take a nap while your loved one enjoys social time and supervision. Check the Caregiver’s Day Out page for current schedules, fees (if any), and registration contacts.
You can find support by phone at (800) 272-3900 and online in the Alzheimer’s Association’s forums.
In-person caregiver support groups meet at locations around the Metroplex. Among the locations are the Baylor AT&T Memory Center, the Alzheimer’s Disease Center at UT Southwestern Medical Center, the Metrocrest Farmers Branch Senior Center, Arden Courts and Cottonwood Creek in Richardson, Oxford Glen in Carrollton, and Brookdale in Plano. Find the groups nearest you with the Community Resource Finder; click the “Alzheimer’s Association Programs and Events” tab and then select “Support Groups.”
The Dallas Area Agency on Aging
Dallas County residents age 60 or older and their caregivers can contact the Dallas Area Agency on Aging for benefits eligibility and program information. The agency contracts with local groups and works with the state to help seniors and caregivers with stress reduction, care planning and case management, and respite care vouchers for caregivers whose loved one needs help with 2 or more activities of daily living. Call (214) 871-5065.
VA North Texas Health System
Family caregivers for senior veterans can use support resources from the North Texas VA. VA caregiver support can take the form of:
peer support groups where new and experienced caregivers exchange ideas and information
a national hotline for VA caregiver support and information at (855) 260-3274
adult day centers that provide care so family members can take a break
home respite care
telehealth and home-based primary care for caregivers whose loved one cannot travel for doctor appointments
homemaker help, home health aides, and skilled nursing care at home to relieve the family caregiver workload
hospice care at home
The first step is contacting the Dallas caregivers support coordinator at 214-857-0162 to find out what services you and your loved one may be eligible to receive.
Texas DADS Caregiver Services
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services can help you find Dallas-area respite care providers and support services. They can also give you information about Medicaid programs that may cover the cost of respite care. For more information and instructions on how to apply for DADS services, call 211 or (800) 252-9240.
Learn more about Financial Assistance for Dallas Seniors:
- Dallas Assisted Living
- Dallas Nursing Homes
- Dallas 55+ Communities
- Best of Dallas Senior Living
- How Much Does Dallas Assisted Living Cost?
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