Caregivers of disabled, chronically ill can apply for respite cost reimbursements

Virginia families who care for a loved one with disabilities or chronic conditions can apply for up to $400 reimbursement for respite costs under a limited voucher program offered by the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services.

Respite is short-term, temporary relief for those who care for family members, which can help reduce the strain on caregivers so they can continue to provide for their loved ones.

Those who qualify and are approved may receive up to a $400 reimbursement for costs related to respite. Respite services for which families can apply for reimbursement include:

• an in-home program, through which services are provided in the family’s home or a care provider’s home;
• a center-based program, through which family caregivers bring the care recipient to a facility to receive respite care;
• a child or adult care center, a summer or weekend camp;
• assisted living or nursing home respite programs.

The program already has reimbursed 275 families out of the target goal of 490 families and hopes to reach another 215 before grant funds are set to expire. The Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program is part of the state’s efforts to support a statewide network of coordinated caregiver respite services. DARS collaborates on the efforts with the Virginia Caregiver Coalition.

To apply for the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program:
• you must be a Virginia caregiver of a child or an adult who resides full-time in your household;
• the primary caregiver for the person receiving care must apply for the funds (you may receive up to one $400 reimbursement benefit);
• you may not use voucher funds to reimburse household expenses;
• you must use theprogram to hire a provider that does not live in the same household as the caregiver or care receiver.

For details about how to apply, visit http://vda.virginia.gov/vlrv.htm.