National Caregiver Month is a time to recognize the millions of Americans who provide care to loved ones/individuals with a variety of health conditions/disabilities. Caregiving can take place at home, in a healthcare setting, or even from afar. Caregivers typically assist with activities of daily living, medical care, companionship/emotional support, etc. The many roles and responsibilities of caregiving can place significant strain on one’s mental and physical health, work life, and social/relationship functioning, which can lead to caregiver stress/burnout. Raising awareness regarding the challenges of caregiving as well as providing caregivers with tools and resources that can help them to better care for their loved ones is of utmost importance.
Local resources for caregivers
Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island advocates for and provide resources to meet the needs of caregivers who are providing long-term in-home care for family and friends, including children and youth with special needs, adults with disabilities, and the elderly. For more information, visit fcari.org.
Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging empowers older Rhode Islanders (age 55+) and adults living with disabilities to age strong by connecting them to information and resources in the community such as caregiver support/respite, health insurance assistance, food and nutrition assistance, public benefits, housing and transportation support, etc. For more information, visit oha.ri.gov.
Rhode Island Office of Special Needs provides families of children with special needs with support, guidance, and encouragement regarding the healthcare of the child from birth through the transition from adolescence to adulthood. They ensure access to information for appropriate community-based systems of services for families with children and youth with special healthcare needs. For more information, visit health.ri.gov/specialneeds/for/parents/.
Ocean State Center for Independent Living (OSCIL) offers comprehensive independent living assessment services as requested by private individuals, vendors, Medicaid, and state agencies. Comprehensive assessments provide recommendations for specialized equipment, home modifications, and/or independent living services that are required for the consumer to achieve goals for independence in the home and community. For more information, visit Oscil.org.
BCBSRI Dementia Care Coordination Program, administered in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, is designed to assist caregivers by providing them with strategies and resources to increase their success in caring for their loved one. Referrals to the Dementia Care Coordination Program are typically initiated by a health system’s care managers and can be made securely to the Alzheimer’s Association via fax, email, or HIPAA-compliant online form. For more information, you may contact the BCBSRI BH Case Management Program at 1-800-274-2958.
BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management Program is staffed by experienced mental health and substance use professionals who can provide education and support, assist with coordination of care, and help to close gaps related to social determinants of health. Behavioral Health Case Managers are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To refer a patient to the BCBSRI BH Case Management Program, please call 1-800-274-2958 or email triage_group@bcbsri.org.
You may also use our automated referral form at BCBSRI.com by following these easy steps:
1. Log on to the provider portal of BCBSRI.com.
2. Click on Tools and Resources.
3. Click on Forms.
4. Click on Case Management Request.
5. Complete the required fields and click Go!
For more information regarding any of the above resources, please contact Isabella Faggiano at behavioralhealth@bcbsri.org.