Family Caregivers Program

What can we do to help?

We understand the challenges of caregiving, and we believe you deserve support. We are here to educate, counsel, and provide access to supportive services which can free you up to do other things as a caregiver. These services can help you manage your responsibilities and prioritize your own well-being. Some examples include:

Home-delivered meals-This is through Meals on Wheels program. Delivering nutritious meals to the home
Homemaker Services- Assistance with light housekeeping, laundry, and meal preparation (see Case Management)
Attendant care services-helps with personal needs such as bathing, dressing, and grooming (see Case Management)
Respite care services-short-term relief for caregivers, allowing them to take a break.
Caregiver support groups-Connect with other caregivers for emotional support and shared experiences
Access to caregiver resources and information- Gain access to helpful articles, websites, and other support materials.
Case management to coordinate services- A dedicated professional will help you navigate and access available resources
Grandparent resources - Support and information specific to grandparents raising grandchildren

We are here to help. Please contact us to learn more about these services and how we can support you.

Contact Anita with any questions at

785-242-7200

Caregiver Support Groups by County

Franklin County Support Group

2nd Tuesday of each month,1-2:30PM

East Central Kansas Agency on Aging - 117 South Main, Ottawa, KS

Facilitators: Diane Sadowski

Kansas Respite for Alzheimer's and Dementia (K-RAD)

What is the Kansas Respite for Alzheimer's and Dementia Program?

Recognizing the need for support, the Kansas Respite for Alzheimer's and Dementia (K-RAD) program was developed to provide temporary relief to unpaid caregivers who care for individuals with a probable diagnosis of these conditions. K-RAD is a resource for family caregivers who have limited access to respite care and/or other supports through current systems.

The K-RAD program may subsidize the cost of services not to exceed an amount up to $1,000 per year, per care recipient. The program follows the State of Kansas fiscal calendar (July-June). Funds will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis to those who qualify. Funding is limited, and no awards are guaranteed. Funds are paid to the respite provider.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is defined as services that offer temporary, substitute supports or living arrangements for care recipients to provide a brief period of relief or rest for caregivers. Respite care includes: in-home respite (personal care, homemaker, and other in-home respite); respite provided by attendants of the care recipient at a senior center or other nonresidential program; and institutional respite provided by placing the care recipient in an institutional setting such as a nursing home for a short period of time as a respite service to the caregiver. The East Central Area Agency on Aging will provide the caregiver with a list of approved providers. It is the responsibility of the caregiver to identify and locate service providers and/or community resources.

Eligibility for K-RAD

Be a family member or other informal caregiver, 18 years or older, providing care to an individual of any age living with Alzheimer's or other related dementia.
The care recipient must have a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or related dementia.
The caregiver must live in Kansas in the same home as the care recipient (persons residing in a long-term care community are not eligible). If the caregiver does not live with the recipient, and exception may be requested through Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS)

The Kansas Respite for Alzheimer's and Dementia program plays a vital role in supporting caregivers who dedicate their time and energy to caring for loved ones with Alzheimer's and Dementia. By offering access to respite services, the program helps ensure that caregivers can continue to provide high-quality care while maintaining their own health and well-being.