Emergency Respite is short-term respite support available when the health or safety of the caregiver or care recipient is at risk.
DISCLAIMER: RCAW and this grant do not offer medical or legal advice to anyone. The grant and any communications with RCAW are not a substitute for professional medical/psychological advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor a substitute for any legal, professional advice, emergency response team, or other proper emergency authorities. Do not rely on this grant or any communications with RCAW for urgent medical needs or other life-threatening situations. If you feel threatened, believe someone is in danger, or are experiencing a medical emergency, etc., contact 9-1-1 immediately.
The Emergency Use of the Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP) is designed to address the urgent respite needs of family caregivers by providing funding to hire a respite care provider of their choice. The family caregiver is responsible for identifying and arranging their chosen provider.
Purpose: To establish a clear and fair policy and procedure for emergency use of the Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP).
Scope: This policy and procedure apply to all individuals applying for emergency use of the Caregiver Respite Grant Program administered by Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW).
Policy: An applicant/family caregiver is eligible for one grant for emergency respite care without Supporting Documentation Forms within 365 days.
Procedure:
- The applicant/family caregiver completes the Eligibility Criteria Form (ECF) for the Caregiver Respite Grant Program and indicates urgency by selecting one or more of the following:
Is there a need to prevent a mental health crisis for the caregiver or care recipient?
Does the caregiver need medical attention immediately?
Does the caregiver have a medical emergency within their immediate family?
Do they need emergency assistance to attend a funeral, wake, or celebration of life?
Has there been a job loss or a work-related issue?
Do they need drug or alcohol abuse counseling or support?
After you submit your Eligibility Criteria Form (ECF) and are found eligible, RCAW will email you a link to the Caregiver Respite Grant Program (CRGP) application.
Once you complete the application, RCAW will email you to let you know if it’s approved and include a link to the Grant Report form.
RCAW can only reimburse you for respite care that happens after the approval email date and within 30 days of your application.
After your respite care is complete, submit the Grant Report to receive your grant funds. This report must be submitted within 7 days of your last day of respite care.
At RCAW’s discretion, at any point in the application process, RCAW may request additional documentation to verify or support the urgency indicated.
Acceptable documentation may include, but is not limited to:
- To prevent abuse or neglect of the care recipient: A note or statement from a county employee, social worker, case manager, or Adult Protective Services verifying the concern or immediate risk.
- To prevent a mental health crisis for the caregiver or care recipient: Documentation or a brief note from a therapist, counselor, case manager, or primary care provider indicating an urgent mental health concern.
- When the caregiver needs immediate medical attention: A doctor’s note, hospital discharge summary, or appointment confirmation showing an upcoming or recent medical procedure or condition requiring care coverage.
- In the event of a medical emergency within the caregiver’s immediate family: A hospital admission or discharge document, doctor’s note, etc., confirming the emergency or hospitalization.
- To attend a funeral, wake, or celebration of life: A funeral program, obituary, or documentation of service details.
- In cases of loss of employment or urgent work-related situations: A letter from an employer, HR department, or unemployment office confirming a sudden change in employment status or schedule.
Aditionally the Caregiver Respite Grant Program: Overview, Policy, and Procedure, as well as the Ineligibility from Grant Program: Policy and Procedure, apply to all applicants for emergency use.
Grant Program Fraud Statement : RCAW primarily funds its programs with state and federal funds. RCAW is responsible for ensuring funds are used for their intended purpose and that they are used to meet the goals and objectives identified in the grant. RCAW reserves the right to deny a grant application if it suspects or detects fraudulent information in the application. RCAW also reserves the right to report suspected fraud to the appropriate authorities, and applicants found to be involved in such activity will be banned from applying for grants in the future. They may be subject to repayment of said grant funds to RCAW. All parties involved in grant fraud can potentially be charged with government grant fraud. Using state and federal grant dollars for unjust enrichment, personal gain, or other than their intended use is a form of theft, subject to criminal prosecution.
Review and Amendments: This policy is reviewed and updated as needed and necessary to remain relevant and effective.