Resources for Caregivers

Family Caregiver Program

Caregiver Information, Support and Training

Caregiver support focuses on both the individual caregiver and the system that supports the caregiver. It includes in-home and out-of-home respite care services for family and other unpaid caregivers who provide the daily services required when caring for adults with functional disabilities. Paid caregivers receive support with training and continuing education, as well as placement with the Homecare Registry and Referral program.

The Olympic Area Agency on Aging (O3A) administers funds that support caregivers with information, training, respite care services, translation/interpretation, and specialized transportation. Depending on the funding source, services range from kinship care for grandparents (age 60+) caring for relatives, to caregivers caring for persons age 18 and over.

O3A’s Family Caregiver Support Program is currently supported by two full-time staff in Aberdeen and Port Angeles. We recognize the crucial role unpaid caregivers play in helping frail older adults and adults with disabilities remain in their homes. We applaud you and ask that you also let us help you practice self-care by taking time off and reaching out for information and support. We can assist you in helping one another while maintaining your own health and well-being. There are many support groups Adobe PDF for family caregivers in our region.

Adult Day Services

Adult Day Services are provided to adults with medical or disabling conditions in order to prevent or delay the need for institutional care. Case management authorized participants attend state-approved day centers and receive care designed to meet their physical, mental, social interaction and emotional needs. Depending on the level of need and the number of days authorized, participants may enroll in one or a combination of the following services:

Adult Day Care is currently the only Adult Day Service available in the O3A service region. This program, located in Clallam County, provides core services including personal care (e.g., body care, eating, positioning, transfer, toileting), social services, routine health monitoring (vital signs, weight, dietary needs), general therapeutic activities and social (recreational activities and relaxation therapy), general health education (nutrition, stress management, preventive care), supervision, assistance with arranging transportation, and first aid as needed.

Respite Services

Respite assessment and coordination includes screening individuals/ care recipients for eligibility; performing an in-home respite care assessment; developing a service plan; authorizing the level and amount of respite care services to be provided; arranging for care with the respite service program; and maintaining contact with the client/participant for reassessment and referral to other services.

Respite care is provided by local agencies through contracts with O3A, affording relief for families or other caregivers of adults with disabilities. Respite care workers provide supervision, companionship, personal care services usually provided by the primary caregiver of the disabled adult. Respite can be provided in the care recipient’s home or in any residential facility contracted to provide this service (adult family homes, adult day care, nursing homes, and assisted living).