In today’s challenging economy, you may think respite services are unattainable. However, thinking creatively can uncover valuable resources:
- Ask local retirement groups for volunteers to sit with your loved one while you take a walk, watch a movie, or complete an internet workshop.
- Trade services with other caregivers. When a loved one is able to change locations for an afternoon, alternate weeks caring for both recipients at once.
- Contact area high school counselors. College-bound students often need community service experience and are available afternoons and evenings.
Traditional funding sources for respite care
- Insurance: Although medical insurance generally does not include respite coverage unless licensed medical professionals are involved, long term care policies usually fund services up to specific time or dollar limits.
- SSI: Patients with disability coverage may be eligible for home health care benefits. Check your local Social Security office or call the toll free number to verify eligibility.
- Medicaid: Medicaid does not fund respite directly, but some states use waivers to apply federal funds to offset respite costs for residents with specific conditions and disabilities. Consult your state’s Administration on Aging website.
- Veterans’ Benefits: The VA provides inpatient respite coverage for up to 30 days per year for qualified veterans. In addition, when war-time vets care for their spouses, funding for in-home services are available on a state-by-state basis.
- Foundation Grants: Private foundations, such as The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Brookdale Foundation make grants to organizations that provide direct respite. These funds are usually awarded annually and posted on foundation websites.
- Nonprofit and Disability Organizations: The United Way, The Alzheimer’s Association, and other disability-specific organizations may offer respite money in your area. Agency care specialists can assist you in researching these funds.
- State Agencies: Over half of all states allow family members to receive payment for providing respite care. Eligibility, delivery modes and funding vary from state to state.
Strategies for successful respite care
Finding and implementing respite care sounds like a lot of work! Relief and revitalization is not just important for you, it benefits all involved in the caregiving process.
Remembering the benefits and following these six tips can ease the process:
- Plan and schedule frequent breaks. Respite is not just a service-it is an outcome that requires regular relief.
- Use checklists to teach providers about your care recipient’s schedules, likes and dislikes. Offer suggestions for handling behaviors.
- Make back-up plans. Always keep a list of alternate providers and resources. Unplanned emergencies should not prevent you from taking care of yourself.
- Evaluate often. Observe your care recipient before and after respite sessions. Ask for brief updates and more detailed reports regularly.
- Expect changes. Respite care is a process that often requires fine-tuning, Anticipating and accepting changes in personnel or programs can keep you from becoming discouraged.
- Attend your support group regularly. Structured and informal groups allow you to meet others in situations much like yours. You can talk, vent, laugh, and exchange tips with people who understand. If you can’t easily leave home, online communities, message boards and forums can provide much-needed support.
Use this Guide to help you with your research.
