Healthy Meals, Healthy Minds Grant for Family Caregivers: Overview, Policy, and Procedure

Objective

This initiative was implemented following the 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers, which provides five goals as a road map to a national approach to recognize and support family caregivers. As part of Goal #3, Strengthen Services and Supports, this initiative aims to support:

• Increased person- and family-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally competent services
• Education, counseling, and peer support
• Access to nutritious meals

Overview

The Healthy Meals, Healthy Minds Grant for Family Caregivers supports primary caregivers who cannot be served by other Long-Term Care waivers or caregiver support programs.

Examples of Long-Term Care Waivers or Caregiver Support Programs can be found here.

Policy

All applicants must have a valid email address and create a profile on RCAW’s online fillable grant portal. RCAW reserves the right to request additional information and supporting documentation from applicants when approving a grant request.

An Eligibility Criteria Form and an updated Supporting Documentation Form are required before each grant request. If approved, the applicant must use the supplemental funds within 60 days.

HMHM cannot pay retroactively for goods or services. Reapplying applicants must submit updated documentation before each grant request.

Allowable Expenses

1. Nutritious Meals as Respite

• In-home prepared meals
• Delivered meal kits such as Hello Fresh, Blue Apron, or Orders Up

Not included: grocery shopping, fast food, or restaurant eating.

2. Mental Health and Wellness

• Mental health counseling, in person or telehealth
• Wellness classes such as yoga and meditation
• Gym or community memberships
• Self-help books
• Weighted blankets
• Light therapy
• Virtual subscriptions

Grant Report Policy

Applicants are expected to track expenses using the HMHM Grant Report. RCAW will randomly select applicants to audit, and selected applicants will be notified by email.

Applicants must keep receipts and invoices for services rendered and purchases made with HMHM funds. If selected for audit and unable to provide a completed report with receipts or invoices within seven days, the applicant will become ineligible for future funds and may have to repay RCAW.

Procedure

1. The applicant completes the Eligibility Criteria Form.
2. The ADRC or County completes the Supporting Documentation Form.
3. If eligible, RCAW emails the applicant the HMHM application link.
4. After the applicant applies, RCAW notifies them by email if the application is approved.
5. The applicant uses the HMHM Grant Report to track allowable expenses.
6. If approved, funds must be used within 60 days.

Appeals: RCAW’s board of directors will review SRGP applicants’ disputes if they have been denied a grant application and provide resolution requirements for RCAW.  Anyone who wishes to file an appeal must use the Grant Denial Appeal Form.

Terms and Conditions

• HMHM is the payer of last resort for eligible primary caregivers and care recipients.
• The care recipient’s age is not required. The program is available to children, adults, and older people.
• The County, ADRC, governmental office, or similar representative must complete the Supporting Documentation Form.
• Reapplying applicants must provide updated forms before each grant request.
• Primary caregivers and care recipients may self-direct whom they hire to provide services.
• RCAW is not the employer of service providers and does not pay providers directly.
• Applicants must provide their Social Security number.
• Applicants receiving $2,000 or more in grant funds in a calendar year will receive a Form 1099-MISC.
• Misuse of funds may result in repayment, suspension from HMHM, and notification to appropriate authorities.

Questions?

If you have questions about allowable expenses under the Healthy Meals, Healthy Minds Grant,
please contact RCAW before making purchases. Email RCAW here.