Qualifications

We at The Bearing Together Project know that asking for help isn't easy, especially if you are unsure if you will qualify for the services you are applying for. But we believe in full transparency, so we want to make this as simple as possible. If you meet the qualifications as defined here, on this one singular page, you will receive benefits from us on some level. How much we can help each person will depend on the individual needs of that person, but anyone who qualifies, will receive aid. If you are unsure if you qualify for aid after reading this page, feel free to call us at 940-277-6714 to learn more. Additionally, here is the link to the application form.

We have two separate categories to determine if you qualify for care, depending on if you are a caregiver or a care-receiver. The following is an overview of how we evaluate care-receiver and caregiver benefactors.

Care-Receivers

For care-receivers, we have 5 categories that help us to learn more about each of our prospective care-receivers, so that we can determine the level of assistance we can provide. These factors include: Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) Ailment(s), Current Received Cared, Location, and Income.

Activities of Daily Living

ADLs are 7 tasks that are essential to daily survival function. Evaluating these activities, and the care-receivers ability to complete all, none, or some of them, help us to determine the status of care that you are either currently being provided, or the care you need provided. These 7 factors are: bathing, grooming, dressing, using the toilet (toileting), eating, getting in and out of bed or a chair (Transferring), and independent movement/walking (ambulating).

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living

IADLs are tasks related to independent living and are not to be confused with ADLs. Evaluating these activities, and the care-receivers ability to accomplish them helps us to see the daily tasks that the individual can accomplish independently, and gives insight into the individuals life activities beyond the mere necessities. These activities include: preparing meals, managing money, shopping for groceries or personal items, performing light or heavy housework, using a telephone or computer, operating electronics such as a TV or radio, etc.

Ailments

Ailments are the conditions the care-receiver suffers from. These can be short term or chronic, hereditary or acquired, minor or severe. The ailment that a care-receiver suffers from can help us determine the amount, type, and focus of care that we can assist with.

Current Received Care

The care that is being provided for Care-receivers is an important factor in helping us understand their current situation. This information allows us to best understand the current needs that are being met, and the future needs that need to be met. Additionally, this information help us understand the physical, mental, emotional, and social struggles that may also exist in the life of the care-receiver.

Location

The cost of living is an important factor to consider whenever it comes to providing aid. Some individuals will need more financial support to get the same level of support as compared to another individual. For example: Individuals living in more urban environments may require more financial aid because of the increased cost of living. Conversely, individuals living in rural communities will most likely have more difficulties finding care, so providing for them will look different. We evaluate each care-receiver on an individual basis

Income

Income is our final factor whenever it comes to determining aid for a care-receiver. Individuals who have consistently less income should be able to receive the support they need, which may require more support for them comparatively to others.

Caregivers

For caregivers, we have 4 categories that help us to learn more about each of our prospective caregivers, so that we can determine the level of assistance we can provide. These factors include: Care Provided, Time Expended, Location, and Income.

Care Provided

Caregivers provide numerous levels of care to an individual depending on their needs. It can be as simple as helping to complete chores or errands to being their cook, nurse, dresser, bather, and much more. Depending on the task, this can be very difficult physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially. We evaluate these needs on an individual basis because each situation is unique and requires special care.

Time Expended

Care-giving is not just about the tasks being completed, but also the amount of time spent caring for someone. Helping an individual with their chores may not be the most demanding of tasks, but can be quite time consuming, where as putting someone in bed may be not take a long duration of time, but requires a much greater physical toll. Therefore, it is important to not just value the care that is being provided, but also the time spent requiring said care.

Location

The same premise explained for care-receivers is also true for caregivers. Location and cost of living are directly correlated. Individuals in higher cost of living areas will have different needs from those in more rural areas. It is for this exact reason, we factor cost of living into the services we can provide.

Income

Additionally, like with care-receivers, income is a factor we consider. Individuals who receive less income on average may require more assistance for their needs to be met. It is important that we consider this so that all needs may be provided for regarding all of our benefactors.

To minimally qualify for benefits from us, you will need to look at the factors provided below, depending on if you are a caregiver or a care-receiver. If you meet at least THREE of the qualifications provided in the section that best describes you, you will receive benefits from us on some level. More factors will be considered beyond these for increased aid, but these are the bare essentials.

Care-Receivers

For care-receivers to receive benefits they must meet three of the following qualifications:

Inability to complete 1 or more of the 7 Activities of Daily Living.
Live with an ailment that impacts your daily lifestyle physically, mentally, or emotionally.
Does not receive care at all or receives care that does not allow them to complete all 7 ADLs and all IADLs.
Have an average annual net income that is less than 70% of the average income per capita in your county OR less than $21,000 net income annually. Whichever is greater. (Use this link from the BEA to determine the average income per capita for your county. If you are unsure, call or email us).

Caregivers

For caregivers to receive benefits they must meet three of the following qualifications:

Provides care for an individual that cannot complete 1 or more of the 7 Activities of Daily Living.
Provides care that is in excess of 15 hours per week for a single individual in the nature of providing ADLs or IADLs.
Provides care that hinders school, social, or work expectations 50% of the time or more.
Have an average annual net income that is less than 70% of the average income per capita in your county OR less than $21,000 net income annually. Whichever is greater. (Use this link from the BEA to determine the average income per capita for your county. If you are unsure, call or email us).

If you believe you meet three or more of the qualifications as a caregiver or a care-receiver and would like to apply to receive benefits from us, follow this link to the application form.

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