What is Respite?

Respite care provides short-term relief for primary unpaid caregivers, allowing them to run errands, spend time away, or for self care.  It can be arranged for just an afternoon or for several days or weeks.  Care must be provided in the home.

*Please note:  Individuals who are currently receiving Medicaid services are not eligible for respite vouchers.  

National Institute on Aging, What is Respite Care? | (nih.gov)

How do the Respite Vouchers work?

The Kerr-Tar Area Agency on Aging Family Caregiver Support Program does have caregiver respite vouchers for caregivers available.  Our respite vouchers are caregiver directed, meaning the caregiver has the option of choosing an individual or home care agency to provide respite care.  The caregiver has full control of that decision.  We just require that the individual providing respite care is not an immediate family member living in the same home, or under the age of 18.

The vouchers are typically $750.00 and are valid for three months after the issue date.  The caregiver and whoever they choose to provide care will decide on a rate per hour/day and sign an agreement.  We will then reimburse up to $750.00.  The reimbursements are typically mailed within a few business days after the Family Care Support Specialist receives documentation.  

Note:  Once all allocated respite vouchers have been utilized, additional vouchers will not be available until July 1 of the next year.  

Caregiver Eligibility Requirements

You are eligible if you:

  • Are an unpaid caregiver of someone over the age of 60 who needs assistance (verbal or physical) completing at least TWO activities of daily living, including:
    • Bathing
    • Toileting
    • Walking or moving about the house without any help
    • Eating
    • Transferring into/out of bed or chair
    • Getting dressed

AND/OR

  • You are an unpaid caregiver of someone living with memory impairment such as Dementia, Alzheimer’s, or traumatic brain injury

OR

  • Caregiver is 55 years of age or older and providing unpaid care for a relative child 18 or younger or an adult aged 18-59 with a developmental disability
  • The care recipient lives in your home with you; you are the primary provider of care
  • Legal custody or guardianship of minor children is preferred but not required to receive services

 

How do I find someone to provide respite care?

With respite vouchers, the choice is completely up to you.  Here are a few possible options:  

  • Request the help of a community member, friend, or anyone you feel comfortable caring for your loved one
  • Hire a home health agency to provide temporary care
    • Find a list of home health agencies HERE
  • For extended/overnight respite, you can use an appropriate facility
    • Find a list of regional facilities HERE
  • Go to CARE.com to view different aides, qualifications, and background checks (there is a cost associated with this site)

How do I apply for a voucher? 

Complete our Caregiver Respite Voucher Eligibility Form online by clicking the button below.  For additional questions on how to utilize our voucher, or a referral for home care, please contact Austin Caton, Family Caregiver Support Specialist at 252-436-2040 ext. 6072.

Apply Now