Southern Caregiver Resource Center (SCRC) offers services to family caregivers of adults with chronic and disabling conditions or diseases or adults age 60 years or older needing assistance with activities of daily living. Services are for residents of San Diego and Imperial County. With a team of highly qualified, professional staff, SCRC helps families directly through a full range of programs and services.

To be eligible for services, a client must be assisting/caring for an adult with a cognitive impairing condition that occurred after the age of 18 (ex: dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, stroke, traumatic brain injury, Parkinson’s Disease) or someone age 60 years or older in need of assistance with activities of daily living. Most services are provided free of charge. Both home and office visits are available.

Specialized Information
SCRC provides information on chronic and disabling conditions and diseases, aging, caregiving issues and community resources. SCRC also has an extensive caregiver resource library containing numerous fact sheets, books and DVDs.

Family Consultation/Case Management Services
SCRC’s professional staff work with families and caregivers to provide support, alleviate stress, examine options and enable them to make decisions relating to the care of adults. Existing and potential services to assist caregivers in coping and meeting their needs, as well as the needs of care recipients, are identified. SCRC’s Family Consultants provide an assessment of caregiver needs (in home or our office), short and long-term care planning, and ongoing consultation.

Respite Care*
SCRC can fund respite services to relieve caregivers of the stresses of constant care. Respite is designed to provide temporary support to a caregiver’s loved one for a brief period of time so the caregiver has the opportunity for relief and rest. This service may be provided in the individual’s home, or in an out-of-home setting such as a day care center or assisted living facility. SCRC contracts with select, professional agencies/facilities to provide this service.

Short-Term Counseling
SCRC offers up to 6 one-hour individual counseling sessions to caregivers seeking emotional support, skill development and helpful strategies to better cope with their caregiving situation. SCRC has licensed clinicians and staff in the process of licensure that provide this service.

Legal/Financial Consultation
SCRC staff can consult with clients on the various legal and financial issues related to caring for an adult. This may include planning for eligibility for public assistance programs, understanding Advance Healthcare Directives and Powers of Attorney, and identifying issues that the client may want to raise with an attorney. If it is felt that a client would benefit from consultation with an attorney or other professional, he/she may be referred to a qualified attorney or legal service provider. Professional legal assistance can help caregivers with a variety of issues including estate planning (trusts, wills, qualification for MediCal), conservatorships, durable powers of attorney, patient’s rights and insurance issues.

Education and Training
SCRC provides education and training on a variety of issues related to caregiving. SCRC’s professional staff can organize education for groups of caregivers and community professionals. SCRC can also provide CEUs for professionals as appropriate. SCRC staff can provide education and training at a variety of settings including community support groups, corporations/small and large businesses, churches, assisted living facilities, large and small community events – just to name a few. If you or someone you know is interested in our current educational offerings click here. If you or someone you know would like to inquire about having SCRC customize a training for your group or organization, call Alejandra Ceja-Aguilar, Director of Education & Outreach, at (858) 268-4432.

CALMA/CUIDAR
The CALMA and CUIDAR programs are evidence based educational series for Hispanic caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s Disease or related dementias (based on the REACH model). Depending on client needs, classes are offered either in group settings with other caregivers or one-on-one in the client’s home. Classes are available in English and Spanish and focus on helping caregivers better cope with their caregiving situation, take better care of themselves, learn stress management techniques and develop effective family communication skills.

ElderCare Alternatives
Helps employers meet the needs of employees with caregiving responsibilities. Onsite support groups, resource fairs and personal consultation are provided.

Support Groups
SCRC offers a variety of support groups that meet monthly at various locations throughout the County. These groups enable caregivers to share experiences and ideas to ease the stress of their caregiving role.

Link 2 Care
A closed, secure Internet site offering information on every facet of caregiving including care planning assistance; medical, legal and financial advice; on-line support group; relevant articles; and an opportunity to “ask the expert.” This service is available 24 hours a day. Please contact SCRC to inquire about enrollment.

For additional information about any of our services, please contact SCRC at (858) 268-4432 or (800) 827-1008 or visit our Contact page by clicking here

To find out how you can support SCRC’s programs and services, please click here.

*This assistance is limited by the availability of funds and may have to be curtailed when designated budgets are exhausted.