By KAREN LAGRANGE COX
Shortage of Caregivers for Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Various programs and services are available that provide caregivers for children and adults with developmental disabilities. Unfortunately, there is currently a shortage of caregivers available.
To learn more about becoming a caregiver or to apply to become a caregiver for someone with developmental disabilities, reach out to any of the various home care service (note: home care is different than home health) providers in the area. These documents showing providers can be downloaded: Provider List 1 | Provider List 2
The caregivers are paid by the provider they are employed with to care for the person in need in their own or family’s home.
Services for people with developmental disabilities vary depending on their specific needs. Caregiving may include bathing, dressing, assistance with personal care needs, meal preparation, feeding, laundry, cleaning, grocery shopping, assistance with activities, and transportation to medical appointments and community events.
NOTE: While this article focuses on caregiving for those with developmental disabilities, the elderly, veterans, and others may be in need of caregivers.
