Stilly Valley Center Family Caregiver Support Program: Angeles Vesely
Angeles Vesely, Program Manager
The speaker was Angeles Vesely, Program Manager at the Stilly Valley Center Family Caregiver Support Program (FCSP) that was established in 2000 to offer unpaid family caregivers tailored services and resources. The original program sustained enrollment was approximately 25 active caregivers. FCSP grew and evolved by word of mouth from Support Group attendance. In 2018, two additional specialists were recruited and program membership more than doubled. Currently the FCSP operates with 3 TCARE certified assessors, nine support groups, and a membership of over 100 caregivers!
This free program is designed to help families care for their loved ones at home to prevent the need for more expensive forms of care for adults needing ongoing daily care or supervision. The program is funded with a federal grant.
FCSP uses an evidenced-based assessment tool that suggests specific services and a tailored care plan to meeting each caregiver’s unique needs for support, with an emphasis on self-care and respite.
Many don’t recognize themselves as caregivers, or helpers, even though they may have an aging relative living with them. These helpers must balance the time spent on caregiving with work, family and personal responsibilities. FCSP is there to remind them that they are not alone. There is a caregiver support group and assistance with care planning available.
To be eligible for the program, the unpaid caregiver must be 18 or older and actively caring for a person who is 18 or older and has a functional disability. The caregiver must provide support without financial compensation such as Medicaid-funded long-term-care services.
For further information, call 360-653-4551 or email avesely@stillycenter.org
