There is so much to do when caring for a family member, it can be exhausting. Programs and services are available to help, however. There are programs and services to help, however. Many of them are free, or low cost. It’s worth checking into them. You don’t have to go through this alone.
Community Programs for Sussex County
Provide supervised daytime care in a facility. Services often include meals, medication monitoring, etc. Their purpose is to provide short-term, daytime relief for the family caregiver.
Find resources for dealing with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Alzheimer's Disease and other dementias
People with significant memory loss problems are said to have “dementia”. While Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia, there are more than 70 causes. Memory loss is difficult for the patient, but also especially hard on families. Fortunately, support services are available.
Information and support services available for persons with cancer and for their family members.
Information and support services available for persons with heart disease and for their family members.
Coordinates care for persons who have difficulty taking care of themselves. Arranges for community programs and local assistance.
Information and support services that address the special needs of seriously ill children and their families as well as children who are themselves grieving due to the serious illness or death of a loved one.
Information and support services for persons with diabetes.
Services available to protect seniors who may be in danger because of physical, verbal, sexual, or financial abuse or neglect and abandonment.
Resources for families and patients with HIV/AIDs.
Nursing care, rehabilitation, medication supervision, and therapeutic services provided in the home by trained nursing staff and home health workers.
Includes programs for low-income home owners as well as renters.
Specialized care for persons who have a life-threatening illness and have chosen to focus on comfort care measures. Care is provided by a multidisciplinary team typically comprised of physicians, nurses, social workers, a chaplain, and other allied health professionals.
Housing - Assisted Living Facilities
Apartment-style living that provides housing, meals, medication supervision, and activities. For those who are fairly independent or live with a fairly independent person who can care for them.
Housing - Board and Care Homes (also called "Adult Foster Homes")
Available in some states, these facilities involve private families taking seniors into their homes and offering room and board and medication supervision. This is a more home-like alternative for those who are unable to live independently.
Housing - Residential Care Facilities
Available in some states, these facilities provide apartment-style living without kitchens for those who do not need skilled nursing assistance but who have slightly more complicated needs than is appropriate for assisted living (for example, people with dementia or memory problems who are otherwise very healthy).
Housing - Skilled Nursing Facilities
A residential facility that provides 24-hour skilled nursing care, although some also provide respite care (day-long or short-term stays).
Generally provide personal (non-medical) care in the patient’s home such as light housekeeping, meal preparation, assistance with bathing, etc. May also provide skilled (medical) care such as wound dressing, medication management, pain assessments, etc.
Information and Referral Services
Provides information about local programs and services
Provides assistance/counsel with legal issues relating to benefits, advance care planning, and estate-planning documents.
If you are caring for someone who lives far away, these resources can help put you in touch with support services in that person’s community.
For families and patients dealing with conditions of the brain, such as depression, bipolar, PTSD and schizophrenia.
Provide meals, food stamps, and emergency food boxes.
Provides information about access to reduced-price and free medications.
A facility that provides several days of 24-hour care for people who cannot live alone. The service is designed to allow the primary caregiver some short-term relief from their day-to-day responsibilities.
Find online and in-person groups for both patients and for family members.
Serious illness affects more than just the patient. Get support and learn valuable tips from others who are also caring for a loved one.
Gatherings for children and teens who are ill themselves, as well as youths who are impacted by the illness of others.
Groups for those impacted by diabetes and by complications from diabetes (e.g., dialysis).
For those who are grieving the death of a loved one. Provides an opportunity to receive and offer support in a caring and accepting atmosphere.
Support Groups-Lung Conditions
Offers persons with emphysema, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory diseases an opportunity to share problems and experiences with others who have similar ailments.
Provide even homebound caregivers and patients with an opportunity to share information, feelings and coping skills in a supportive atmosphere with others who are in a similar situation.
There are many ways that technology and assistive devices can make it easier for people to live independently with a high quality of life.
Telephone and Visitation Services
Phone calls and/or home visits to seniors who are housebound.
Transportation for non-medical reasons
Public or private transportation for short or long distances, often at reduced rates if rider is disabled, senior, or low income.
Persons who served in the armed forces often have access to special support programs available for veterans.
Please Note: Transitions does not specifically endorse the activities of any organization mentioned on this page, but offers their information as a sample of the kinds of materials and services that are available.