Respite vouchers available for unpaid family caregivers

Release Date: 
Mar 20 2018
DSHS Office of Communications

The Department of Social and Health Services has announced the continuation of vouchers for unpaid family caregivers to receive respite through a federal grant from the Administration for Community Living. Respite services provide caregivers access to another trained professional so they can have some time away from caregiving. One of the goals of the grant is to increase respite service options tailored to the needs of survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and their caregivers and to the needs of American Indians and Alaskan Natives (AI/AN).

With more than 830,000 people in Washington taking care of their loved one at home, unpaid family caregivers play an important role. While caring for a loved one can be rewarding, there are times when respite can be beneficial for both the caregiver and care-receiver. 

“Caregiver support, such as respite, helps family caregivers continue to perform this vital role in society,” said Bill Moss, Assistant Secretary for the Aging and Long-Term Support Administration. “Providing care for your loved one is only possible if you take care of yourself as well.”

Through the voucher program, unpaid family caregivers may be eligible to receive up to $1,000 for respite services with contracted agencies in many communities throughout Washington state. There are a variety of options to best fit individual needs, including in-home respite and adult day services. 

Interested caregivers are encouraged to start the voucher process soon, as there are a limited number of vouchers available. Lifespan Respite Washington will assist caregivers with the application process. 

To find out if they qualify for a voucher, caregivers can contact Lifespan Respite Washington at 253-442-3214, or at www.lifespanrespitewa.org.

In order to qualify you must:

  • Provide 40 or more hours of unpaid care per week, which includes supervision

  • Live in Washington state (both caregiver and care receiver must live in Washington state)

  • Not receive respite through another public paid program

For information on DSHS caregiver resources and programs, please visit the DSHS caregiver website.

 

 

DSHS does not discriminate and provides equal access to its programs and services for all persons without regard to race, color, gender, religion, creed, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, age, veteran’s status or the presence of any physical, sensory or mental disability.