Project C.A.R.E.
- Need: There is a lack of dementia-specific support for rural caregivers.
- Intervention: Project C.A.R.E. was created to meet the needs of rural and underserved caregivers of those with Alzheimer's or other dementias across North Carolina.
- Results: Under Project C.A.R.E., rural families receive information and referrals as well as individualized care consultation from dementia-trained family consultants.
Evidence-level
Promising (About evidence-level criteria)Description
According to the Alzheimer's Association, about 170,000 people in North Carolina have Alzheimer's, a form of dementia. Project C.A.R.E. (Caregiver Alternatives to Running on Empty) educates and supports family caregivers of people living with dementia.
Project C.A.R.E. is funded by the state of North Carolina. The program specifically targets those who are ineligible for other available programs, who live rurally, are low-income, and are part of minority populations.
Family consultants are based in the program's six sites:
- Land of Sky Regional Council Area Agency on Aging (Asheville)
- Western Piedmont Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging (Hickory)
- Mid-East Commission Area Agency on Aging (rural Washington)
- Mecklenburg County Department of Social Services (Charlotte)
- Duke Dementia Family Support Program (Durham)
- Cape Fear Council of Governments Area Agency on Aging (Wilmington)

Services offered
Information and Referral Services
Project C.A.R.E. connects caregivers with resources and services, including:
- Dementia-specific information
- Caregiver education
- Support groups
- Community-based services and supports
- Referral to any needed programs
Education
Dementia-specific education and training topics include:
- Progression of dementia
- Behavioral management
- Home safety
- Coping strategies for caregivers
- Self-care for caregivers
Care Consultations
Caregivers receive care consultations in person or over the phone. Consultants help caregivers assess their needs and concerns, develop a care plan, and follow up as needed. To be eligible for this service:
- The caregiver must be at least 18 years old.
- The person he/she is caring for has been diagnosed with dementia.
- The caregiver would benefit from case management.
Respite
Project C.A.R.E. offers vouchers for care consultation clients who need financial assistance for respite services. These services can include group respite, in-home care, and adult day care.
Results
Since this program began in 2001, family consultants have created a community-based support services network for dementia caregivers.
In October 2016, Project C.A.R.E. received additional state funds as a result of a recommendation in the publication Dementia-Capable North Carolina: A Strategic Plan for Addressing Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias.
Other results, as of June 30, 2019:
- Responded to about 5,200 requests for information and referral services
- Provided care consultation services to 831 informal caregivers
- Awarded funds to 645 care consultation caregivers to pay for respite
- Served caregivers in 99 of 100 counties
For more information about Project C.A.R.E.:
Kelly, C., & Williams, I. (2007). Providing Dementia-Specific Services to Family Caregivers: North Carolina's Project C.A.R.E. Program. Journal of Applied Gerontology, 26(4), 399-412. Article Abstract
Replication
Project C.A.R.E. utilizes a standardized family-centered approach and tools. The care plan tools were adopted with permission from Alzheimer's Los Angeles.
Contact Information
Dawn Oakey Gartman, State Project C.A.R.E. DirectorNorth Carolina Department of Health and Human Services
Project C.A.R.E.
919.855.3462
dawn.gartman@dhhs.nc.gov
Topics
Dementia
Informal caregivers
States served
North Carolina
Date added
September 3, 2015
Date updated or reviewed
September 30, 2019
Suggested citation: Rural Health Information Hub, 2019. Project C.A.R.E. [online]. Rural Health Information Hub. Available at: https://www.ruralhealthinfo.org/project-examples/819 [Accessed 25 January 2021]
Please contact the models and innovations contact directly for the most complete and current information about this program. Summaries of models and innovations are provided by RHIhub for your convenience. The programs described are not endorsed by RHIhub or by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy. Each rural community should consider whether a particular project or approach is a good match for their community’s needs and capacity. While it is sometimes possible to adapt program components to match your resources, keep in mind that changes to the program design may impact results.