Caring for a loved one can be emotionally and financially challenging. Now, local nonprofits are making it easier for caregivers to access support services meant to help ease that burden.
The United Way of RI, along with The Family Caregiver Alliance of RI and AARP Rhode Island, recently expanded its Caregiver Support Program, which is part of the 211 phone service.
For years, caregivers in Rhode Island have been able to call 211 to access support services for their loved ones. Now, operators are on the lookout for ways they can help the caregivers themselves, especially those struggling financially or emotionally.
“So by calling 211 and being screened, we’re opening this door to be able to connect that person not just for help, but the newest thing is that they will be connected to caregiver-specific supports,” said Denise Meza-Mathews, a program officer of the Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island.
More than 200,000 people in Rhode Island care for an older adult or an adult with a disability, according to the United Way. Worldwide, people are living longer, but also having fewer children, according to the United Nations. In the U.S., this population shift means caring for parents, grandparents, and other relatives could become more challenging in the coming decades.
“We know that family caregivers don’t self-identify,” Meza-Mathews said. “When they don’t self-identify, that means that they’re not asking for the support for themselves. Our research specialists have recently been trained and equipped to screen family caregivers.”
Meza-Mathews says the goal is to provide caregivers with more information about support services like paid family leave and respite care, as well as local referrals for transportation services, food delivery and emotional support.
Rhode Islanders seeking more information can dial 211 or visit 211RI.org
