Supplemental Respite Grant Program

Self Care isn't Selfish

Family caregivers wear many hats. They do not get to punch-out after a full day shift of taking care of someone else’s medical needs; but instead, it is a round-the-clock job. Family caregivers often wear many hats, and downtime doesn’t exist. Their other responsibilities include cooking, cleaning, laundry, lawn care, snow removal, transporting others, and ensuring their home is accessible and safe for their loved ones.

Our Supplemental Respite Grant Program (SRGP) supports primary caregivers by providing $250 every ninety days (up to $1,000 per year) of funding for supplemental respite services. This grant allows you to hire the person of your choice to help you with housekeeping, meal prep, laundry, lawn care, snow removal, transportation, and technology. Imagine being able to:

  • Take a special day to rest, fresh, and recharge while someone else helps you with household duties,
  • Use SRGP grant funds to pay for wheelchair ramps, grab bars, interior, and exterior accessible interventions, assistive technology, emergency response systems, home safety interventions, and technology to decrease isolation and increase social engagement,
  • Take respite in knowing someone else is helping with laundry and meal prep.

Getting a break from these duties isn’t a luxury; it is necessary for caregivers’ mental health. Affording to pay someone to provide supplemental services should not be a barrier to receiving the break you deserve.

 

Supplemental Respite Grant Eligibility Overview

Supporting Documentation Form: This is required to be completed by the applicable ADRC or county, showing that other supportive programs cannot serve the applicant. Appropriate supporting documentation will state that the applicant:

  1. Is not expecting to receive services or approval within thirty (30) days of the application or is on a waitlist.
  2. Has been denied Long-Term Care Waiver support(s) or other programs that provide respite services.
  3. Has been approved for Long- Term Care Waiver support(s) or other programs that provide respite services and will exhaust funding from said programs.
  4. Has applied and is receiving LTC-Waiver supports, and the applicant needs the flexibility to hire a family member or friend that is not covered by current funding supports.
  5. Has not applied for a Long-Term Care Waiver support(s) because they are ineligible for other supports.
  6. Is enrolled in the CLTS/CCOP programs and would benefit from supplemental services through RCAW funding.

 

HOW TO APPLY FOR THE Supplemental RESPITE GRANT

Please review the following steps and documents before applying for the Caregiver Respite Grant.

Read the SRGP Overview and Policy and Procedure document. This explains all of the eligibility requirements, application procedures, and additional resources to help you apply. 
Complete and return the Supplemental Respite Grant Program (SRGP) Eligibility and Supporting Documentation Form. We will review your CRGP Eligibility Form and let you know if you can move onto the next step of completing the CRGP Application. Please wait to hear from RCAW staff before completing the CRGP Application. 
Complete the Supplemental Respite Grant Program (SRGP) Application Form. Upon receiving word that you are eligible to apply, you can then complete the SRGP Application. Once we review your SRGP Application, we will let you know in writing if you’ve been approved or denied for the grant.
Complete the Grant Report. Applicants are expected to track expenses via the SRGP Grant Report.

More Questions?

If you have any questions about the Supplemental Respite Grant Program, your eligibility, or other resources, please contact RCAW Project Manager, Rachel Watkins-Petersen.