DC Caregivers’ Institute

About the Program

The District of Columbia Caregivers’ Institute (DCCI) is a program funded by the D.C. Department of Aging and Community Living.  Its purpose is to support unpaid caregivers residing in the District of Columbia who have primary responsibility D.C. residents who are seniors or adults with disabilities. We provide services including case management, monthly reimbursements for caring expenses, respite, support groups, and more. Learn more about the services the program offers here.

Am I Eligible?

To be eligible for DCCI, you must be:

  • An unpaid caregiver who is a resident of DC and is providing care for a resident of DC
  • The DC resident you are caring for must be age 60 or older OR someone age 18 to 59 with a disability
  • Care receiver cannot be enrolled in other DC or federal services that provide similar care (e.g. Medicaid EPD waiver)

How to Apply/Join

Call (202) 464-1513 to complete an intake with our DCCI team. If you are eligible, a social worker will visit you at home to conduct an assessment and provide a full program orientation.

Services We Offer

In-home Assessment/Case Management – A licensed social worker case manager will schedule an in-home assessment to meet you and the person you are caring for.  Your case manager will create a Caregiver Support Plan tailored to your needs, and help connect you to the supports that will help you in your caregiving journey.  Your case manager will conduct a bi-annual re-assessment and will be available to address your questions or concerns throughout the year. 

Reimbursement for Caregiving Supplies– Program participants may be reimbursed for approved caregiving expenses and supplies through our Caregiver Flex account. Caregivers are eligible for a pre-approved amount each month. To receive reimbursement, participants must submit original receipts and enroll in direct deposit. What’s reimbursable – incontinence supplies, adaptive equipment, medical related transportation, over the counter health supplies, home modifications, glasses and vison care, hearing aids and hearing care, diabetes related supplies, etc.  

Short Term Relief for Caregivers (Respite) – Participants in DCCI can arrange for short term relief or respite assistance in several forms. This may include a scheduled home health aide, reimbursement for family members/friends/neighbors who provide care for your loved one, and even short term overnight stay at a local nursing home.

Telephone/Zoom/Facebook Support Groups – DCCI hosts regularly scheduled phone and zoom support group to DCCI participants.  The support groups feature a broad range of topics intended to support your caregiving journey and help provide you with a sense of community/connection with other caregivers.  The calls often feature expert speakers in addition to DCCI staff.  The calls are held in the evenings and last about one hour.

Educational Opportunities – DCCI facilitates education and training to help caregivers be better caregivers.  DCCI hosts video seminars, has an online learning platform designed just for Caregiving, and caregivers are advised of a range of opportunities such as conferences, seminars, and free recreational events.

DCCI Team

  • Angela Fields, LICSW, LCSW C – Director of the DC Caregivers Institute
  • De’Era Dunbar- Data and Communications Coordinator
  • Tonya Hodge, LGSW- Social Worker
  • Roseline Thompson, LGSW- Social Worker

Contact us at the main DCCI line: (202) 464-1513