Grandparent Support

NFCSP Grandparent

The Need for Respite and Supplemental Service

Grandparents and other relative caregivers stepping in to raise their kin children can find the task at hand exhausting. Much has changed from the first time around raising children often leaving the relative caregiver in search of respite. An occasional break from caregiving enables the exhausted relative caregiver to regroup both physically and emotionally from his/her caregiving responsibilities. Senior Resources offers a wide range of support services that are funded by the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

Grandparents and Relative Caregivers: The term “grandparent and relative caregiver” means a grandparent, step-grandparent, or a relative of a child by blood or marriage that is 55 years of age or older living with the child as the primary caregiver and has a legal relationship (custody or guardianship) or raising the child informally.

The term “child” is a person 18 years old or younger.

Respite Services

Respite care enables the grandparent and relative caregiver to be temporarily relieved of their caregiving responsibilities.

What are respite services?

Respite care services include, but are not limited to: limited Camperships and Day care. Funds may be used for daytime or overnight respite provided by an approved vendor.

  • Each grandparent and relative caregiver needs are determined after an in-depth assessment conducted by a member of the Family Caregiver Support Team.

Supplemental Services

Supplemental Services are service options designed to help “fill the gap” when there is a need or there are no other ways to obtain the service. Supplemental services will help improve the quality of life for the care recipient (child) and help to alleviate the strain on older caregivers that care for children.

What are supplemental services?

  • Supplemental services include, but are not limited to emergency need and health related items.


The National Family Caregiver Support Program requests a cost share contribution toward the cost of services received based on the grandparent/relative caregivers monthly income. Any income received for the child, for example, child support; social security survivor’s benefits etc. will not be included as income.

Priority will be given to older individuals with greatest social and economic need, with particular attention to low-income older individuals and older individuals providing care and support to persons with intellectual disabilities and related developmental disabilities.

If you are a grandparent, relative caregiver or a parent aged 55 and older who lives with and provides care to a disabled adult child age 19-59 you may apply to this program.

Please contact Senior Resources at 860-887-3561 for more information or eligibility for our programs.

*PLEASE NOTE NOT ALL SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE IN EACH REGION.