With the budget crisis in California, family caregivers are being squeezed more than ever. Organizations that were created to provide respite for families in need are being eliminated or cut back drastically.
The LA Caregiver Resource Center:
The Los Angeles Caregiver Resource Center is a program run by the USC Andrus Gerontology Center for families caring for adults with brain impairments such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s Disease and other forms of dementia. Due to a 70 percent budget cut, the staff assigned to the SCV has been eliminated, and 1,000 people in hopes of getting financial respite are on the wait list. Anabelle Diaz, program director, says she’s not sure what the future holds, but she and her remaining staff are still there to provide any basic information and referrals: Call 213-740-1376.
SCV Senior Center Adult Day Care:
Several of our clients seek respite, as well, from the SCV Senior Center’s Adult Day Care program. This four-day-a-week program is for those who suffer from various forms of dementia or have conditions that may require constant supervision. Adult Day Care services are essential to any community because they provide both mental and physical stimulation for seniors with debilitating diseases. As important, they provide desperately needed respite for family caregivers, time to work, do chores, and breathe easily for a while. These programs make a real difference in people’s lives. Unfortunately, budget cuts could force an end to the program by October 1 if donations can’t keep it going. Executive director Brad Behrens is calling on help from SCV, especially its seniors: Call 661-255-1588.
Medi-Cal Funded Adult Day Care:
The non-profit Partners in Care Foundation operates the Santa Clarita Adult Day Health Care program in Canyon Country. Supervisor Aloyce Rachal says the good news is, the budget hasn’t hurt staffing at the program, but Medi-Cal cuts may keep those most in need from taking part. Rachal says her program differs from the Senior Center’s in that it provides services for those who may need a higher level of care, including nursing and therapeutic supervision. If Medi-Cal is not an option, the program does take some private insurances: Call 661-253-0700.
For more information, call Home Instead Senior Care at 661-254-8701. Charlene Perrone is co-owner of the Santa Clarita/Antelope Valley office of Home Instead Senior Care, the world’s largest non-medical home care company.