Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) is a unique and innovative program designed to provide support and financial assistance to families who care for their loved ones with disabilities or chronic health conditions at home. In Indiana, this program is administered by the Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) and is aimed at enhancing the quality of life for both caregivers and care recipients. If you’re a family caregiver and considering applying for Structured Family Caregiving in Indiana, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the process and provide essential information to help you make an informed decision.
What is Structured Family Caregiving?
Structured Family Caregiving is a service provided under the Aged and Disabled (A&D) waiver and the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) waiver in Indiana. The program offers financial support to caregivers who provide daily care for their spouses, family members, or friends with disabilities or chronic health conditions. By participating in the SFC program, caregivers can receive a tax-free stipend, ongoing training, and resources to help them manage their family members’ caregiving responsibilities effectively.
The primary goal of Structured Family Caregiving is to enable the elderly and individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions to remain in a familiar, home-based environment while receiving the necessary support and care from a dedicated caregiver and loved one. This arrangement of service not only benefits the care recipient but also reduces the burden on nursing homes and other long-term care facilities.
Who is Eligible for Structured Family Caregiving in Indiana?
To be eligible for payment under the SFC program in Indiana, both the caregiver and the care recipient must meet specific requirements.
Care Recipient Eligibility Criteria:
- Reside in Indiana.
- Be eligible for either the A&D waiver or the TBI waiver.
- Require assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, or transferring.
- Have a medical or functional need for daily support and supervision.
- Prefer to live in a home-based setting rather than a nursing facility or other long-term care institution.
Caregiver Eligibility Criteria:
- Be at least 18 years old.
- Pass a criminal background check and have no history of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
- Complete a caregiver assessment and participate in ongoing training.
- Be willing and able to provide daily care and support to the care recipient.
- Reside in the same household as the care recipient.
It’s important to note that the caregiver does not have to be a registered nurse, or a family member; they can be a friend or a neighbor who meets the eligibility criteria and is willing to provide care.
Apply for Structured Family Caregiving Program in Indiana
Applying for Structured Family Caregiving involves several steps, which include determining eligibility, locating a waiver case manager, and completing the necessary paperwork. Here’s an overview of the application process:
Step 1: Determine Eligibility
Before applying for SFC, it’s crucial to determine if you and your loved one meet the eligibility criteria outlined above. If you’re unsure about your eligibility, you can contact the Indiana FSSA’s Division of Aging at 1-800-457-8283 or visit their website for more information.
Step 2: Locate a Waiver Case Manager
If you meet the eligibility requirements, the next step is to locate a waiver case manager. A case manager will guide you through the application process and help you access the services and supports available under the A&D or TBI waiver. You can find a list of approved case management providers on the Indiana FSSA’s website.
Step 3: Complete the Necessary Paperwork
Once you’ve located a waiver agency case manager, they will help you complete the necessary paperwork, including the waiver application and paid caregiver assessment. They will also assist you in developing a person-centered plan of care, which outlines the services and supports your loved one needs to remain in a home-based setting.
Step 4: Submit the Application
After completing the required documentation, your case manager will submit the application on your behalf. The Indiana FSSA’s Division of Aging will review the application and determine if your loved one is eligible to qualify for services under the A&D or TBI waiver. If approved, you can begin receiving financial support through the Structured Family Caregiving program.
What Support Does Structured Family Caregiving Provide?
Structured Family Caregiving offers various supports and services to help caregivers effectively care for their loved ones at home. Some of these include:
Financial Support: Caregivers receive a tax-free stipend based on the level of care they provide. The amount paid is determined by the care recipient’s needs and the services provided by the caregiver.
Ongoing Training and Education: Caregivers have access to ongoing training, coaching and education opportunities to enhance their personal caregiving skills and knowledge.
Respite Care: Paid caregivers can receive temporary relief from their caregiving responsibilities through paid respite care services, allowing them to rest and recharge.
Support Coordination: A support coordinator helps the primary caregiver access resources and services available to them, such as healthcare services, transportation, financial and support services, and community support programs.
Conclusion
Structured Family Caregiving in Indiana offers a valuable option for families and individuals seeking to provide care for their loved ones with disabilities or chronic health conditions in a familiar, home-based setting. By providing financial and other support services to caregivers, the program allows families to keep their loved ones safe while also providing care and enabling them to remain in a home environment. Through this program, Indiana has made it possible for individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions to receive quality care that meets their individual needs.
If you’re a person interested in applying for Structured Family Caregiving for yourself or a loved one, contact a FreedomCare representative at 866.456.8172