State voucher program offers relief to caregivers
A little help is now available for those who care for a loved one with disabilities or a chronic condition.
Under a program that began this week, families in Virginia can apply for up to $400 in reimbursement for respite care.
The program, run by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Serivces, will distribute vouchers to eligible caregivers from a $179,079 federal grant.
Respite care is short-term, temporary relief for those who care for family members. It can include in-home or center-based programs, a child or adult care center, or an assisted living or nursing home program.
Jim Rothrock, commissioner of the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, said in a news release that the Lifespan Respite Voucher Program is part of the state’s efforts to support a network of coordinated caregiver services.
“Everyone at some point is a caregiver or care recipient,” Rothrock said. “Those who are responsible for caring for someone, whether young or old, are important in that person’s life. Respite can provide support so you can continue to care for your loved ones as well as yourself and others in your family.”
For information on how to apply for a voucher, go to the Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services website at www.vadars.org/services.htm.
January 31, 2013 - 10:08 AM
This is neat to see…my wife has been acting as caregiver to her mom since September (and will likely have to continue that role indefinitely), since her dad has too large a retirement fund for them to qualify for any assistance. Once he retires in about a year, he’ll need help as well. Maybe they can qualify for this and get a little bit of relief…
I doubt this program will work. I suspect it will go the way of HOSPICE where a good volunteer organization has been hijacked to make more money for the medical industrial complex.