Family Caregiver Support
Family Caregiver Support
Helping caregivers manage stress, reduce burnout,
and continue caring for their loved ones.
Programs Overview
High Country Area Agency on Aging provides resources and support to strengthen caregivers through two avenues: the Family Caregiver Support Program and the Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program. By supporting families, we help avoid or delay costly institutional care and promote independence at home.
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Who Is a Caregiver?
A caregiver is anyone who provides ongoing support to a loved one. You may be a caregiver if you:
- Assist with personal care such as bathing, dressing, eating, or mobility.
- Help with shopping, finances, medical appointments, or household tasks.
- Coordinate healthcare or services for a loved one, even from a distance.
- Oversee the care of a loved one living in a facility.
Eligibility
Family Caregiver Support Program
You may qualify for support if you:
- Live in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, or Yancey County.
- Are 18+ and provide unpaid care for:
- An adult age 60+ who needs help with at least two daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, eating, walking, transferring, or toileting.
- Someone living with dementia or severe memory loss (no age limit).
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program
You may qualify for support if you:
- Live in Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Mitchell, Watauga, Wilkes, or Yancey County
- Are 55+ and provide unpaid care for:
- A relative child age 18 or younger, or
- An adult age 18–59 with a developmental disability.
- Have the care recipient living with you as their primary caregiver.
- Legal custody/guardianship is preferred but not required (foster families eligible).
Program Services
Respite
Caregiver directed vouchers, based upon availability and eligibility, to supplement Project CARE and the Lifespan Respite Program.
Support Groups
Welcoming spaces across the region to share experiences, gain encouragement, and connect with others.
Case Management & In-Home Assessments
Home visits, consultations, emergency planning, and safety evaluations.
Education
Workshops cover practical caregiving topics, dementia awareness (including Dementia Friends USA training), and resources for caregivers and the public.
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren
Program-Specific Support
We recognize that every grandfamily is unique, so our program is flexible to support a wide range of situations. Supports may include:
- Camp or after-school program assistance
- Clothing and shoes
- Counseling or support group referrals
- Educational support (supplies, technology, tutoring)
- Food and formula
- Home safety improvements
- Household items and cleaning supplies
- Self-care items (diapers, toiletries, medication assistance)
- Other needs identified through consultation
Additional Caregiving Resources
Contact
You don’t have to do this alone — support is here for you, every step of the way.
For more information about the Family Caregiver Support Program or Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Program, contact Myles Stacey at mstacey@hccog.org or (828) 265-5434 x113.