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Caregiving for family, friends and neighbors

If you help an aging parent, spouse or friend on a regular basis and are not paid for it, you are a family caregiver. Family caregiving can be as intense as around-the-clock care for a person with late-stage Alzheimer’s or as simple as doing the grocery shopping.

Family caregiving may be the most satisfying work we ever do, but it can come at a great personal sacrifice of time, energy and income. If that is not enough, caregiving carries a high risk for depression and worsening health of the caregiver. It is very common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed and alone. But caregiving does not have to be harmful to your health. Research clearly shows that family caregivers who connect with support, do better. You can start by calling Minnesota Aging Pathways at 800-333-2433 - Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Eligibility

  • Relationship: child, other relative, non relative

Questions to ask the program

These are questions to ask the program, not a verdict on your eligibility. Confirm the current rules directly with the program.

  • Does the person receiving care live in Minnesota? Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.
  • Does your relationship to the person (child, other relative, or non relative) count for this program?
  • Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name. Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.
  • What documents do you need from us to start an application?
  • Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?

Services

Family caregiving may be the most satisfying work we ever do, but it can come at a great personal sacrifice of time, energy and income. If that is not enough, caregiving carries a high risk for depression and worsening health of the caregiver. It is very common for caregivers to feel overwhelmed and alone. But caregiving does not have to be harmful to your health. Research clearly shows that family caregivers who connect with support, do better. You can start by calling Minnesota Aging Pathways at 800-333-2433 - Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

How to apply

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.