Caregiver Relief

Receive Rest and Respite through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP)

When was the last time that you were able to do a little shopping, go to a doctor's appointment, or attend your grandson's school play? Would you like to do an activity outside of your home, but don't know of anyone who could take care of your loved one while you were gone? Senior Health Partners can help you! If you or the loved one you are caring for are age 60 or over you may be eligible for respite services through the National Family Caregiver Support Program.

The National Family Caregiver Support Program is designed to provide supportive services for family caregivers of all ages who are caring for individuals age 60 and over. Services are also provided for caregivers who themselves are age 60 or older and are caring for another person age 60 or older or a disabled adult age 19-59.

Respite is offered to help caregivers take a break and do something for themselves. Being a caregiver is very demanding and many times caregivers do not have time to care for themselves. Activities such as a class reunion, visiting a relative, or even going to the dentist often times seem unachievable, but with the National Family Caregiver Support Program and Senior Health Partners, you can be a part of them!

Short term, occasional respite care is provided free of charge for those who qualify, though voluntary donations are accepted. Respite care may take place either in or out of the home. Senior Health Partners has contracts with; licensed adult daycares, nursing homes and assisted living facilities for overnight respite, and home health care agencies for in the home respite relief.

While respite is a main part of the National Family Caregiver Support Program, there are also many other important services that are offered. Other services for caregivers include information and assistance, counseling, support groups, caregiver training programs, supplemental services, and the Caregiver Resource Library.

If you would like to participate in this program or would like more information, please contact Senior Health Partners at 269-441-0920 or email us.

Adult Out of Home Respite Care

Description: Respite care provided in a contracted and licensed adult day care facility, or nursing home to allow the caregiver a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Advance minimum registration of one week is required. Extended, 24-hour, out-of-home respite periods are available to eligible care recipients a maximum of seven days per year, per care recipient.

Cost: Voluntary cost share based on care recipient's income

Eligibility:

  1. Caregiver or care recipient (person they are caring for) must be age 60 or older.
  2. Care recipient must require help with two or more activities of daily living (feeding, dressing, bathing, transferring, toileting, and walking).
  3. Care recipient can not be physically aggressive.
  4. Care recipient must have a chest x-ray within 90 days of admission, as well as a physical examination.
  5. Caregiver must complete admission paperwork and provide and emergency contact number.

*Respite care may be prioritized according to Older American's Act standards. If services and/or funding become limited and prioritization is necessary, low income and/or minorities receive the highest priority for use.

Adult In-Home Respite Care

Description: In-Home Respite care is to provide caregivers with occasional breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite is arranged by Senior Health Partners and provided by contracted home health care agencies. Respite provided under the NFCSP is not designed for on-going, long term care. A direct referral to appropriate agencies will be made for persons who require more intensive services and/or care.

Cost: Voluntary cost share based on care recipient's income

Eligibility:

  1. Caregiver or care recipient (person they are caring for) must be age 60 or older.
  2. Care recipient must require help with two or more activities of daily living (feeding, dressing, bathing, transferring, toileting, and walking).
  3. Care recipient can not be physically aggressive.
  4. Caregiver must provide required intake information including an emergency contact number.

*Respite care may be prioritized according to Older American's Act standards. If services and/or funding become limited and prioritization is necessary, low income and/or minorities receive the highest priority for use.