The Caregiver Support Program (CSP) is designed to assist family and other unpaid adult primary caregivers caring for a functionally dependent older adult age 60 and over, or an adult 18 and over with chronic dementia.  The program also assists caregivers age 55 and over, who are caring for an adult relative with a disability. The program's goal is to reduce caregiver stress and burden through benefits and resource counseling, access to support groups, caregiving skills training and education, support and financial reimbursement for expenses incurred in purchasing caregiving related services (including respite), supplies, durable goods, home modifications and assistive technology.  Reimbursement benefits are subject to cost sharing.

The CSP, consumer-driven and flexible, is meant to support the primary caregiver and family in ways that are specific to their individual needs and preferences.  It allows a range of options for respite care to meet the individual needs of each consumer.

Caregiver Support was designed to provide:

• Advice and supportive counseling to inform caregivers of the benefits available, assistance completing paperwork to apply for benefits, and advice on health insurance coverage.
• Financial assistance through a cost-sharing approach where caregivers may be eligible for reimbursement to help with out-of-pocket expenses ranging from respite care to services through a home health care agency to consumables and supplies, such as adult diapers, bed pads, and other supplies.  CSP cannot reimburse for any prescriptions and/or pharmaceutical items.
• Home Modifications such as building a ramp or modifying the bathroom to make the home more livable and accessible for the care receiver through a one-time grant up to $5,000 for those who qualify.

Primary Caregiver is defined as the one identified adult who has assumed the primary responsibility for the provision of care needed to maintain the physical or mental health of a functionally dependent older adult or other adult suffering from chronic dementia or a disability. The Primary Caregiver cannot receive financial compensation for the care they provide.


The Lehigh County Office of Aging and Adult Services also offers a Grandparenting Program as part of the Caregiver Support Program targeted to assist grandparents or older adult relatives, 55 years of age or older, who are primary caregivers for a related child.  For additional information on  Caregiver Support, or the Grandparenting Program, please call the Lehigh County Information and Referral Unit at (610) 782-3200, Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.