It is the intent of the General Assembly to establish a multi-faceted family caregiver support program to assist unpaid family caregivers and grandparents or other older individuals who are relative caregivers, who are informal providers of in-home and community care to older individuals or children.

Services provided under this program shall do the following:

1. (1) Provide information, relief, and support to family and other unpaid caregivers of older individuals and children.
2. (2) Encourage family members to provide care for their family members who are older individuals and children.
3. (3) Provide temporary substitute support services or living arrangements to allow a period of relief or rest for caregivers.
4. (4) Be provided in the least restrictive setting available consistent with the individually assessed needs of older individuals and children.
5. (5) Include services appropriate to the needs of family members caring for older individuals and children, including older individuals with dementia.
6. (6) Provide family caregivers with services that enable them to make informed decisions about current and future care plans, solve day-to-day caregiving problems, learn essential care giving skills, and locate services that may strengthen their capacity to provide care.

(Source: P.A. 93-864, eff. 8-5-04.)