President Obama signed a fiscal year 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Bill on March 11 that includes $2.5 million in funding for the Lifespan Respite Care Act.
The Lifespan Respite Care Act was signed into law in 2006 to make community-based respite care services more accessible and affordable to family caregivers, regardless of age or disability. It is expected that monies could be made available to states through a competitive grant process as early as late spring.
Family caregivers provide 80 percent of long-term care in the United States. Research studies show that respite helps family caregivers maintain their own health, bolster family stability and avoid or delay more costly nursing home or foster care placements for their loved ones.
At one point I was part of a CA respite program in L.A. County. It helped pay for adult day care--it was good for him and gave me much needed respite. Those half-days in day care were a blessing. Also, we had a program where a van comes & picks up the AD LO & brings them home. No hasseling to get them in/out of the car, no driving, just a few hours of blessed quiet. I don't know what sort of programs there may be now, but CG's need respite almost more than they need air & water.
I had some very good news today. In Wash State, Stevens Co, they have the Rural Resource Office. I called them a while back and today two of their reps came to visit. I am on a waiting list (either for July or Aug) to start their respite care program. They provide 20 hours free in-home respite care per month and they will also pay some of the cost of the incontenence supplies. Imagine my surprise!! They have some other programs but didn't get into it too much since I had to leave (Today I had a self-pay respite care worker coming in for 4 hours.) Looking at their brochure they have ALL SORTS OF FREE assistance. I just had no idea that so much was available!! They even have a supply of wheelchairs, etc that they loan out for the duration. I don't know if other states or counties have this but if so they can be a great help.
Did this act ever get funds? Been searching for answer in Swagbucks.com, but decided someone here has probably already researched it. Certainly didn't get funds in early years. Of course, w/situation re cuts these days......
gmaewok, what kind of Rural resource Office? It's probably something I should know about, but do not. I, too live in Washington state, Island County. I believe there is limited in-home respite care available here as well, just not sure who to ask. I think I'll ask our Support Group leader at the Senior Center (duh, why didn't I think of that sooner?). I don't think my dh would be willing to go to Respite Care or Day Care at this stage, anyway; not sure when he'll be receptive to it. For now I have to rely on our daughters and their schedules. A 3-day weekend away sounds like heaven.