How to apply for Project C.A.R.E. — dementia caregiver consultation and respite funds in North Carolina

Who it's for

State-funded help for family members and friends who care for someone living with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia in North Carolina. A trained family consultant meets with the caregiver (in person or by phone), builds a care plan, teaches dementia care skills, connects the family to local services, and follows up. Caregivers in the program may also get funds for self-directed respite care — a paid break using adult day services, in-home help, or short overnight stays — subject to eligibility and available funding. Available in every North Carolina county through six regional offices: Western 828-251-7432, Foothills 828-485-4267, South Central 980-314-7801, Central 919-660-7510, Southeastern 910-408-6365, Northeastern 252-414-3230.

What you'll need

• Information about the care recipient's dementia diagnosis
• A caregiver assessment completed with the regional family consultant

Where to apply

Step by step

1. Check that this program fits your situation. Project C.A.R.E. is for an unpaid family member or friend caring for a person with Alzheimer's disease or another dementia in North Carolina.
2. Gather information about the care recipient's dementia diagnosis.
3. Apply online for Project C.A.R.E.
4. Complete the caregiver assessment with the regional family consultant. The consultant will confirm eligibility.
5. Meet with the family consultant by phone or in person to build a care plan, learn dementia care skills, and get connected to local services.
6. Ask the consultant whether you may qualify for self-directed respite funds for adult day services, in-home help, or short overnight stays. Respite funds depend on eligibility and available funding in your region.

What to expect: After you apply, a regional family consultant will contact you to complete the caregiver assessment, confirm eligibility, and help create a care plan. The consultant may continue to follow up and connect you with local support. This program does not pay caregivers to provide care. If respite funds are available and you qualify, the consultant can explain next steps. There is no set renewal cycle listed. Support is ongoing through consultant follow-up, and respite funds depend on available funding.

Renewals

ongoing (consultant follow-up; respite funds subject to availability)