Caring for a person with a disability or chronic illness can be a challenging and rewarding experience. In Gulfport, MS, the average experience caring for adults with special needs is 7 years. Fortunately, there are a range of support services available to help caregivers manage their responsibilities. The Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program provides information, assistance, and referral services to help older people and their caregivers assess their needs, identify the most appropriate services to meet them, and link them to the agencies that provide these services.
The DAAS Lifespan Respite program is also available, offering temporary care vouchers to family members who provide unpaid care for a dependent person of any age with a significant disability or chronic illness. To qualify for this program, individuals must be 60 years of age or older, or be the spouse of an eligible person. The program also provides training to help participants recognize and intervene when behavioral problems occur in people affected by dementia. Adult day care centers are another great resource for older people with serious health problems or disabilities.
These centers provide recreational activities, personal care supervision, meals, limited medical care, and social interaction with others in group activities. Housekeeping services are also available to help older people stay in their own homes by providing cleaning, laundry, meal planning, shopping, and other tasks. Case management is another important service that links people to self-care programs, cleaning, nutrition, and other services to help them stay in their own homes. This service helps caregivers identify the most appropriate services for their loved one's needs and connect them with the right agencies.
Caring for someone with a disability or chronic illness can be overwhelming at times. Fortunately, there are many support services available in Gulfport, MS that can help caregivers manage their responsibilities and ensure their loved one receives the best possible care.
