How to apply for Family Caregiver Support Program (Gaston County)
Centralina Area Agency on Aging — Older Americans Act Title III-E Family Caregiver Support Program
Who it's for
Support for the unpaid family member or friend doing the caring, not the person being cared for. Centralina Area Agency on Aging runs the Family Caregiver Support Program for Gaston County, created in 2000 to help caregivers keep a loved one at home for as long as possible. Services vary by county but generally include information and referral, help connecting to supportive services, options and benefits counselling, a support group, and education and training — including the NC Caregiver Portal and a 6-week Building Better Caregivers workshop. The program also offers respite care, meaning in-home help, adult day care or group respite that gives you a temporary break from caregiving, plus supplemental services such as incontinence supplies. Call 1-800-508-5777 to ask what is available in Gaston County.
This program supports the caregiver. The agency's own definition is broader than the check can express: a caregiver of an adult aged 60 or older, OR a grandparent or relative aged at least 55 caring for a young child or an adult with a developmental disability, OR anyone caring for a person with Alzheimer's or a related dementia. If you fall into the second or third group but the check did not show this program, call the agency anyway. What is actually offered varies by county and depends on the resources available locally. Not legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final decision.
People who qualify for one senior program often qualify for others. See everything you may qualify for — free, no SSN, about five minutes.
Find my benefitsWhere to apply
Apply online: official application
By phone: 1-800-508-5777
What to say when you call
"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Family Caregiver Support Program (Gaston County). I'd like to know whether I may qualify, what documents I need, and whether I can apply online, by mail, by phone, or in person. What is the best next step?"
Tip: have a pen ready, ask for the person's name, and write down any case or reference number they give you.
Renewals
as needed
Not sure if you qualify? Run a free check first.
Find my benefitsNot legal or financial advice. The agency makes the final eligibility decision.