Types of Family Support Services

Millions of families in the United States are in dire need of financial, emotional and physical support. Although, most homes are single parent homes, many are not. The traditional family structure, which allows one spouse to stay home, and the other spouse to work is quickly deteriorating.


One parent can no longer provide the overall support children and other family members need, without some type of outside assistance. Family support services offers families the means to make ends meet, and to help instill independence and confidence.

These three types of support services are the most commonly used services in between most family structures:

Respite Care

Families going through emotional hardships need an outlet from time to time. Caring for sick and ailing family members can be emotionally and physically strenuous. Respite services offer caregivers and parents an emotional and physical release. Families can opt in for in- home care, or care outside of the home.

For in- home care, caregivers are sent out for a night on the town, or they can choose to spend time with family and friends. Most caregivers spend time taking care of their own personal needs, which is often neglected in the process of caring for others.

Cash Assistance

Most insurance policies do not cover the cost of special equipment, or specialized services. These expenses will have to come out of the family budget, and most families are not in a financial position to afford such supplies. Many private organizations have special programs that provide funding for families who meet their criteria for assistance.

Although, the paperwork may be overwhelming and the process lengthy, the benefits are well worth the time. Families who qualify for cash assistance in their state, can find out more information about the program in their state, through their health care provider, or Department of Health Care Services.
Some programs are locally funded, but the majority of programs most families qualifies for are funded by federal programs. Federal funding is normally issued to families who meet certain income guidelines. Visit us here.

Family Intervention 

Some families have the tiresome responsibilities of caring for children or family members with physical or mental disabilities and limitations. These responsibilities are physically and mentally challenging. At some point, the responsibilities become overbearing, causing sleepless nights, moments of frustration and sometimes resentment.

There are support groups that can assist with emotional support, and even offer a temporary outlet. When extreme Care giving becomes overwhelming and demanding, caregivers burn out quickly, and in some cases, experience fatigue, regret and disappointment. One way family intervention help families to cope is to offer family training classes.

Family training allows families to experience an alternative solution to dealing with family demands. Families learn how to rest, relax and focus, before starting a busy and somewhat challenging task. Training begins in the home, so that the child can become familiar with the setup, and cohere to a standard routine. Abrupt changes, often times, upset the balance and flow of the home, and causes an emotional chaos.