Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) is a supportive program funded through Medicaid. It is designed to assist primary caregivers who look after aging adults or people with disabilities. The program is essential for supporting individuals in need of caregiving assistance in Indiana.
To help you understand the importance of this type of caregiving arrangement, we’ll explore what structured family caregiving in Indiana entails, how it’s implemented, and what it means for you and your family.
Structured family caregiving is part of Indiana’s Aged and Disability Medicaid Waiver. Here’s what the program entails.
SFC revolves around three key elements that make it a supportive approach to caregiving:
First, caregiving in SFC happens right at home, where the caregiver and the care recipient live rather than in a nursing home. In cases where you don’t already live together, then either the caregiver moves into the recipient’s home, or vice versa.
Ideally, the caregiver is someone who already shares a special bond with the participant, like a family member or a close friend. This makes the caregiving experience more personal. But most importantly, giving care in a place that feels like home to both of you not only feels comforting but also preserves the privacy, self-respect, and dignity of your loved one being cared for.
Structured family caregiving lets you focus on caring for your loved one without worrying about financial strains. The program provides financial support so you can make caring for your loved one your top priority. It also offers personalized support to help you navigate through your caregiving journey, whether it’s meeting the current needs of your loved one or planning for the future.
Additionally, the program provides backup caregivers or respite care, so you can take a break from caregiving to do other important tasks or simply take some time for yourself.
SFC agencies support you every step of the way. To do this, they assess your needs and create a plan tailored just for you. The support covers education, coaching, and ongoing support to make sure you become the best caregiver you can be.
Structured family caregiving is quite different from the traditional way of caring for loved ones in a few key ways.
First off, with structured family caregiving, you get paid for taking care of your family member or close friend. Unlike the usual unpaid caregiving, this program takes away the stress of financial worries, so you can focus wholeheartedly on giving the best care to your loved one.
Another notable thing about SFC is that the program recognizes how important it is for caregivers to take breaks and take care of themselves, too. This is why it offers backup support for caregivers. This means you can have some time for yourself while making sure your loved one is safe and well looked after.
Although you don’t need any formal training or caregiving experience to be a caregiver through this program, SFC agencies make sure caregivers receive proper training and support. This way, you are equipped to provide nursing-home-level care to your loved one.
As discussed, structured family caregiving offers several benefits, including financial compensation for caregivers, personalized support to meet the needs of your loved one, and backup caregiver support that allows you to take breaks.
The SFC program in Indiana operates under the Aged and Disability Medicaid Waiver. Federal authority enables Medicaid to cover the program, allowing caregivers to receive compensation for their services.
Besides allowing family members and friends to care for their loved ones at home instead of institutionalizing them in nursing homes, the program offers various services under the Aged and Disabled Waiver. These services include adult day care, transportation, and financial assistance for home modifications.
Additionally, a handful of initiatives actively promote SFC in Indiana. The ResCare Community Living’s Structured Family Care and the Indiana Caregiver Homes Program are prime examples. These initiatives, linked to the Aged and Disability Medicaid Waiver, pay and support caregivers to look after seniors and individuals with disabilities at home.
To be eligible for Structured Family Caregiving (SFC) services in Indiana, both the care recipient and the caregiver must meet certain requirements.
For the care recipient, they must be an Indiana resident and enrolled in the Aged and Disability Medicaid Waiver. They must also require assistance with at least three personal care tasks daily and live with their caregiver.
As a caregiver, you need to be at least 18 years old, physically and mentally capable of caregiving, and willing to undergo a criminal background check. You will be responsible for meeting the personal needs of your loved one or care recipient and receive support from the SFC case manager and registered nurse overseeing the program.
SFC services are making a big difference for people in Indiana. Participants and caregivers appreciate the financial compensation and support services they receive. These services make them feel more comfortable at home, and they don’t have to worry about strangers coming to help them.
Even though the specific impact and outcomes of SFC in Indiana are still being assessed, experiences from these states show its positive effects. It can make care better for those who receive it and improve the well-being of family members and friends who provide care.
Structured family caregiving in Indiana is vital in the state’s healthcare landscape. The Medicaid-funded program makes sure your elderly loved ones and family members with disabilities receive the support they need at home. Abby Care can help you get personalized assistance for your loved one. Reach out to us today, and we’ll work together to find tailored support for your family’s needs.
https://hoosiersforgood.org/hoosiers-and-paid-care/
https://www.medicaidplanningassistance.org/structured-family-caregiving/
https://www.in.gov/medicaid/members/home-and-community-based-services/aged-and-disabled-waiver/
