New county program offers relief for Alzheimer's disease, dementia caregivers

A new San Diego County program is offering relief to those caring for local residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.

The new Respite Voucher Program, started at the request of county board of supervisors Chairwoman Dianne Jacob, provides family members and others who need a break with a voucher to cover half the cost of hiring a fill-in caregiver.

“As the number of San Diegans with Alzheimer’s disease grows, so does the strain on many families as they struggle to help their loved one deal with this devastating illness,” Jacob said. “Caring for a mother or father with dem...