A support group for caregivers of chronically ill depressed older adults: Grant proposal

The purpose of this project was to locate a potential funding source and write a grant to provide intensive case management to chronically ill older adults experiencing depression and residing in the San Gabriel Valley. Their illness may cause them to be homebound or require some assistance with their activities of daily living. Simultaneously, a support group will be provided to the older adults' caregivers to help them cope with caregiver burden. Through a support group, they will be provided with educational and supportive services. An extensive literature review was performed to investigate the best way to assist older adults in coping with their illness and depression symptoms, as well as how to assist caregivers in coping with the changes experienced by the care recipient. A search was conducted to locate an appropriate funder for this program. The Older Americans Act was found to be the most appropriate source of funds. A grant was written to seek funding from this federally funded program, which was designed to provide older adults with social and nutrition services. The actual submission of the proposal was not a requirement of this thesis project.