Free Program Reduces Care Costs for Individuals with Dementia and Their Caregivers
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A grant by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) targets Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementia, with the goal to postpone institutionalized care for dementia-related conditions for individuals 60 years and older. The Customized Caregiver Training & Relief Program (CCTRP), launched in 2007, offers caregivers free care consultations, customized in-home care assessments and training, tools to reduce stress, improve communication, make home safety improvements, and cost reimbursements up to $700 for qualified respite-related expenses.
“We understand how important community outreach and education will play in getting families connected to this program,” said MRHA Executive Director Melissa Van Dyne. “Many caregivers – and their families – serve in the trenches, daily, caring for loved ones with dementia. Our goal is to acquaint them with this program that is designed to address many of the day-to-day challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.”
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The Customized Caregiver Training & Relief Program (CCTRP), administered by Missouri Rural Health Association, Alzheimer's Association of Greater Missouri, and Memory Care Home Solutions, offers caregivers free care consultations, customized in-home care assessments and training, tools to reduce stress, improve communication, make home-safety improvements, and reimburses up to $700 for qualified respite-related expenses. CCTRP, provided through a grant from Missouri DHSS, incorporates two tracks: Caregiver Training Program and Caregiver Relief Program.
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- Assessments and care coordination
- Adult day care
- In-home Care
- Nutritional supplements
- Safety and supportive programs
- Education programs
- Counseling services
Reimbursements for a family is capped at $700 per year, per person with Alzheimer’s and dementia. Emergency respite is also available.
Enrollment begins with a call to the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline (800.272.3900) to set up a Care Consultation.
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- In-home assessments for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias to identify unmet needs and develop a customized training plan for the caregiver.
- Training materials and other resources to help modify activities of daily living (ADLs) in a manner that promotes increased independence for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
- Follow-up calls and visits to assess the customized plan, recommend plan adjustments as needed, and provide additional resources if necessary.
- Assistive safety devices, when necessary, to help with ADLs and increase the safety and well-being of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
- Referrals to other community support services and resources as needed.
Enrollment begins with a pre-screening phone call (314.645.6247) with a Memory Care intake specialist.
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Eligibility for the Caregiver Relief Program:
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- The care receiver must reside in Missouri and live at home with the primary caregiver. Persons residing in long-term care communities are ineligible.
- Participants must start using funds within 45 days of enrollment and must use all available funds before May 31, 2021.
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Alzheimer's By The Numbers
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According to the Alzheimer’s Association (AA), more than 5 million Americans live with the degenerative brain disease which leads to nerve cell death and tissue loss throughout the brain. There is currently no cure, but with early detection, people living with Alzheimer’s can explore treatments that may relieve some symptoms and help maintain independence longer.
Not only does Alzheimer’s affect those with the disease, it affects their caregivers as well. As of 2020, 16 million Americans provide unpaid care for people with the disease or other forms of dementia. In 2019, caregivers provided an estimated 18.6 billion hours of care valued at $244 billion – money spent out of pocket often with no reimbursement or assistance.
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Alzheimer's Facts & Figures
- It is the sixth leading cause of death
- It kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined
- 1 in 3 seniors die with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia
The need for quality care for those living with Alzheimer's and other dementias is dire. See more data:
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50% of primary care physicians believe the medical profession is not ready for the growing number of people with Alzheimer's or other dementias. Click the button to learn more about the medical field's concerns regarding Alzheimer's and other dementias and the need for further research.
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