National Family Caregiver Support Program

The National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP) was established in 2000 to provide funding to states for a range of services that support family and informal caregivers who help individuals remain in their homes for as long as possible. Caregivers often have diverse needs and preferences, which Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) must consider when designing and delivering services.

While aging network services traditionally focus on the care receiver, the NFCSP is designed to focus on and support the caregiver. By strengthening caregivers, the program ultimately enhances the well-being and independence of those receiving care.

NYSOFA administers the NFCSP through its 59 AAAs. All AAAs receiving NFCSP funding are required to establish and operate a caregiver support program that:

   1. Addresses the needs of caregivers and strengthens the support they provide to care recipients.

   2. Helps caregivers become informed advocates and more confident in assisting with care needs.

   3. Prevents or delays placement in long-term care facilities by promoting continued care in the home or other community-based settings.

   4. Provides support to older relatives who are caring for children and/or individuals with disabilities (this component is available but not required).

When caregivers are adequately supported, care recipients are able to remain at home longer and experience a better quality of life.

The goals of the NFCSP include:

1. Increasing awareness of and outreach to caregivers.
2. Identifying and enhancing the knowledge and skills of caregivers through education.
3. Empowering caregivers in fulfilling their role as a caregiver and most effectively help the care receiver remain in the least restrictive environment.
4. Increasing caregiver access to community-based services by helping them navigate the service system and providing information and support necessary for them to access services. 

Caregivers who meet one or more of the following criteria are eligible for NFCSP services:

• Adult family members or other informal caregivers aged 18 and older providing care to an individual(s) aged 60 or older.
• Adult family members or other informal caregivers aged 18 and older providing care to an individual(s) of ANY age with Alzheimer’s disease or a related disorder.
• Older relatives (excluding parents) aged 55 and older, living with, and provide care to a child(ren) under the age of 18.
• Older relatives (including parents), aged 55 and older who live with and provide care to an adult(s) aged 18-59 with disabilities.

The NFCSP provides the following services:

1. Information to caregivers about available services.
2. Assistance in gaining access to the services, including information, assistance and case management.
3. Individual caregiver counseling, organization of caregiver support groups, and/or caregiver training focused on health, nutrition, and financial literacy, decision-making, and problem-solving related to caregiving responsibilities.
4. Respite care* (in-home and/or out-of-home) to provide caregivers with temporary relief from caregiving duties.
5. Supplemental services provided on a limited basis to complement the care provided by caregivers.

These services are designed to coordinate with other state and community-based programs to deliver a comprehensive system of support to family and informal caregivers.

To receive respite care and supplemental services, the care recipient must be determined to be functionally impaired. This includes individuals who are unable to perform at least two activities of daily living without substantial assistance, including verbal reminding, physical cueing, or supervision; or who require significant supervision due to cognitive or mental impairments that pose a health or safety risk.  Older relative caregivers are eligible for all service types.

Social Media Graphics

NY Connects Caregiver Social Media Graphic 1 (.jpg)

NY Connects Caregiver Social Media Graphic 2 (.jpg)

NY Connects Caregiver Social Media Graphic 3 (.jpg)

One Pagers

Caregiver Portal One-Pager (.pdf)

ARCHANGELS Caregiver Intensity Index One-Pager (.pdf)

NY Connects Caregiver Program One-Pager (.pdf): This is a fillable PDF. Local programs can enter their phone number in the bottom-right corner.