National Caregiver Month is a time to recognize and honor 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 may 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 or burnout. It is important to raise awareness of the challenges associated with caregiving as well as provide tools and resources to caregivers to help them better care for their loved ones. Below are a variety of resources available to Rhode Island caregivers.
Local resources for caregivers
Unite Us Rhode Island – Unite Us consists of a coordinated care network of healthcare, government, nonprofit, and other organizations who partner to identify and deliver services that address the needs of those within the community. For more information, visit uniteus.com/networks/rhode-island/.
Family Caregiver Alliance of Rhode Island – Advocates for and provides resources to 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 https://www.unitedwayri.org/get-help/fcari/.
Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging – Empowering 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. Ensures 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 individuals to achieve goals for independence in the home and community. For more information, visit oscil.org.
BCBSRI Dementia Care Coordination Program – The Dementia Care Coordination Program is an evidence-informed intervention administered in partnership between the Alzheimer’s Association and a health system. The program is designed to assist caregivers in managing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The Dementia Care Coordination Program is a referral-based program. Referrals are typically initiated by the health system’s care managers. Caregivers who are referred will participate in six-month program in which they follow an individualized care plan that aims to provide the caregiver with strategies and resources that will be beneficial as they care for their loved one. For more information, contact the BCBSRI BH Case Management Program at 1-800-274-2958.
BCBSRI Behavioral Health Case Management Program –The 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 Isabella.faggiano@bcbsri.org.