Families are the primary source of support for older adults and people with disabilities in the U.S.
Many caregivers work and also provide care, experiencing conflicts between these competing responsibilities. Research indicates that caregiving also exacts a significant emotional, physical, and financial toll. With nearly half of all caregivers older than age 50, many are vulnerable to a decline in their own health. Studies have shown that coordinated support services can reduce caregiver depression, anxiety, and stress, and enable them to provide care longer, which avoids or delays the need for costly institutional care.
ACL programs, councils, and research projects help support and empower those caring for older adults and people with disabilities.
- The National Family Caregiver Support Program funds a variety of supports that help family and informal caregivers care for older adults in their homes for as long as possible.
- The Lifespan Respite Care Program works to improve the delivery and quality of respite services for caregivers of older adults and people with disabilities.
- University Centers for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDDs) – Specific services and resources available through UCEDDs may vary, but many offer a variety of resources for families and caregivers including guides, videos, webinars, and trainings.
- RAISE Family Caregiving Advisory Council: The Council is charged with providing recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on effective models of family caregiving and support to family caregivers, as well as improving coordination across federal government programs.
- Advisory Council to Support Grandparents Raising Grandchildren: With input from the public, this Council will develop a report that includes best practices, resources, and other useful information for grandparents and other older relatives raising children.
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The National Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Family Support partners with government, academia, and the broad family support stakeholder community to translate state-of-the-art research and training into services and support programs to improve the care, health, and quality of life of all persons with disabilities and the families who support them.
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The RESILIENCE Rehabilitation Research and Training Center’s mission is to improve the health and function of people with disabilities and their caregivers by adapting and scaling two award winning evidence-based programs for children and older adults with disabilities (Chicago Parent Program and CAPABLE) and to design new approaches using key attributes of effective and sustainable programs to ensure program effectiveness, relevance, utility, and scalability.