South Carolina Family Caregiver Support Program

What it offers

South Carolina's Family Caregiver Support Program provides information about available services, assistance gaining access to services, individual counseling, support groups, caregiver training, respite care, and supplemental services. Respite may occur in the home, adult day facility, assisted living facility, or skilled nursing facility for periods ranging from a few hours to a few days depending on caregiver needs. The Department on Aging works with 10 regional Area Agencies on Aging to administer the program and directs caregivers to GetCareSC to find local resources. South Carolina also distinguishes older relative caregiver supports as Seniors Raising Children, which can include respite, supplemental services, counseling, and connection to other resources.

Questions that decide eligibility

GiveCare prepares the questions; the program makes the decision. Bring these to the call or the application:

1. 01

   Does the person receiving care live in South Carolina?

   Residency is usually the first thing a program checks.

2. 02

   Does your relationship to the person — spouse, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, other relative, or non relative — count for this program?

3. 03

   Does the VA disability rating meet the program’s minimum (our record lists null%)?

4. 04

   Do the work hours meet the minimum (our record lists null hours)?

5. 05

   Is there a caregiver-specific department, coordinator, or support line? Ask for it by name.

   Many agencies have one that isn’t advertised on the website.

6. 06

   What documents do you need from us to start an application?

7. 07

   Is there a waitlist right now, and how long is it?