Dementia Caregiving

Program

woman hugging another woman

The Customized Caregiver Training & Relief Program (CCTRP) supports caregivers of persons with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias across Missouri through education and respite services. This program is designed to reduce stress, improve communication, make home safety improvements, and provide partial reimbursement for qualified care-related expenses. CCTRP exists to help caregivers provide the best quality of life possible for their loved ones while reducing emotional and financial burdens and enabling persons with dementia to reside at home as long as possible.

Eligibility Requirements

CCTRP is offered free of charge to caregivers in the state of Missouri. To qualify for the program

  • The care receiver’s residence must be in Missouri.
  • The caregiver must live in the same home as the care receiver for respite and relief services (persons residing in long-term care communities are not eligible)
  • The care receiver must have a diagnosis of probable Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia

Enrollment in the program is contingent upon funding availability and distributed on a first come, first served basis.

Services

Customized Caregiver Training provides hands-on instruction and education so the caregiver can manage challenging behaviors, learn care strategies, and improve quality time at home. Trained staff make a free, confidential, in-home assessment, provide caregiver education, and link caregivers to needed community resources.

Customized Caregiver Relief provides financial assistance to caregivers living with and caring for persons with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. Reimbursement is provided to caregivers for expenses related to the use of respite care services and/or the purchase of products and services required to care for the individual with dementia.

woman speaking to a woman in a wheelchair

Possible reimbursements could include:

  • Assessment and care coordination
  • In-home care
  • Adult day care
  • Incontinence products
  • Safety and supportive programs
  • Education programs
  • Counseling services
  • Nutritional supplements
  • Emergency respite

Financial assistance for subsequent award periods is also contingent on continued eligibility and continued program funding. Services paid by Medicare, Medicaid, or any other source cannot be reimbursed to the caregiver.

Resources

The CCTRP is currently administered through a contract with the Missouri Rural Health Association (MRHA). To enquire about enrolling in the program, please contact MRHA at 573.415.7343 or visit https://mrhassociation.org/caregivers/

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, visit https://health.mo.gov/seniors/nursinghomes/alzheimersscu.php

For additional resources related to caring for loved ones, visit https://health.mo.gov/seniors/caregiver.php

Any questions related to the Customized Caregiver Training and Relief Program can be directed to the Bureau of Senior Programs at 573.526.4542.