How to apply for Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program and Dementia Care Program

Who it's for

The Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program works with the local Area Agencies on Aging to help family caregivers. It is for people caring for a family member age 60 or older, and for people age 60 or older who are raising a child in the family under age 18. Services include information about available help, help getting services, counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care so the caregiver can take a break, and some extra services on a limited basis. The Mississippi Dementia Care Program gives respite care and support to family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's disease, other dementias, or memory problems, with about 27 hours of respite care a month for twelve months in a row. To get connected to either program, call the Mississippi Access to Care (MAC) Center at 1-844-822-4622.

What you'll need

• Call to ask what to bring

Where to apply

What to say when you call

"Hello, I'm calling to ask about Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program and Dementia Care Program. 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. I understand I may need call to ask what to bring — is anything else required? 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.

Step by step

1. Call the Mississippi Access to Care Center at 1-844-822-4622 to get connected to the Mississippi Family Caregiver Support Program or the Mississippi Dementia Care Program.
2. Apply by phone or ask how to apply online.
3. Explain your caregiving situation. Say if you care for a family member age 60 or older, if you are age 60 or older and raising a child in the family under age 18, or if you care for someone with Alzheimer's disease, another dementia, or memory problems.
4. Ask what documents to bring or send before your application is reviewed.
5. Complete any forms or follow-up steps the program gives you.
6. Stay in touch with your local Area Agency on Aging about available services and whether there is a waiting list for respite care or other extra services.

What to expect: After you apply, the program and your local Area Agency on Aging will review your situation and help connect you to services that fit your needs. The Area Agency on Aging decides what services you can get. Respite care and other extra services depend on local funding and may have waiting lists. There is no renewal for this program.

Renewals

none