Respite Care, Family Caregiver Support Program, and Kinship Care     

Providing respite from the stress of caregiving, support and information about available resources, as well as access to items/equipment that assist unpaid caregivers in carrying out their valuable caregiving role.

History:

Throughout history, families have provided care to loved ones without compensation or outside assistance. It is estimated that until recently, 95% of all care provided to older adults has been provided by their families. Increasing numbers of women in the work force and increased longevity for older adults are having a dramatic affect on the composition and size of families across America. These changes are impacting caregivers' ability to meet the needs of loved ones.

Caregivers are usually family members, (i.e., spouse, adult child, or a parent caring for a disabled adult child). Caregiving can be emotionally draining and caregivers experience depression at three times the rate of others within their own age group. The stress of caregiving also places caregivers at increased risk of developing a physical illness. Therefore, it is critical that caregivers have access to resources and support that help them effectively deal with the stress that often accompanies providing care.

To receive Elder Services’ Respite Care, Family Caregiver Support, or Kinship Care services, caregivers must be unpaid and provide substantial care to a disabled person who is 18 years of age or older, be a grandparent caring for a grandchild or a relative raising a relative. 

Services Include:

• Information about available services;

• Assistance in gaining access to supportive services, including support group/individual counseling;

• In/out of home respite services to provide a break from care giving (up to 12 days/yr.);

• Supplemental services that include equipment, etc., to assist with caregiving;

• Kinship Care provides relatives raising relatives with school supplies, clothing, household items, etc.

How to get information about Respite, Family Caregiver Support, and Kinship Care Services:

Call (509) 458-7450 and Elder Services staff will explain the programs and eligibility criteria.

Fee

For Respite Care, a sliding fee scale is available that is based on the Care Recipient’s (person who will be cared for) income.

Assessment

For Respite Care, an in-home assessment is completed by Respite Care staff and caregivers are advised if there is a fee related to receiving Respite Services.