Respite Care – "Time Off" for Family Caregivers
Caring for someone with Alzheimer's or other dementia is a 24-hour-a-day job that can both physically and emotionally exhaust the caregiver. Feelings of anger, frustration, loneliness, and depression are common. Without relief a caregiver's health can deteriorate, adding to the burden and reducing the quality of care the person with dementia receives.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is "time off" for the caregiver living in the same household with the person with dementia. Respite is NOT selfish – the well-being of the caregiver contributes to the well-being of the person receiving care. Respite services give caregivers much needed relief and time to do both necessary and enjoyable activities.
What Respite services are available?
The Alzheimer's Association can provide information on a variety of respite services available throughout the Great Plains Area Chapter area including:
- In-home companions
- Home health care, including personal care
- Housekeeping
- Short-term residential care
- Live-in help
Financial assistance is available. See below for information.
Respite Financial Assistance
What are the assistance guidelines?
- The respite provider bills the primary caregiver.
- The primary caregiver submits verification of payment, i.e., cancelled check, receipt from the respite provider, or other proof of payment, to the Alzheimer's Association for reimbursement.
Is financial assistance available?
YES! The Respite Financial Assistance Program provides funds to families affected by Alzheimer's disease and related disorders. The caregiver is responsible for the selection and management of respite services.
Am I eligible for assistance?
The primary caregiver is someone who has assumed the responsibility for providing the day-to-day care of a person with Alzheimer's or related dementia. To determine eligibility, the primary caregiver must:
- Provide a statement of diagnosis from the treating physician that the person has Alzheimer's disease, multi-infarct dementia, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, Pick's disease, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Lewy body disease, organic brain syndrome, or multiple sclerosis.
- Submit an application
- Be a member of the Alzheimer's Association
Where can I get more information and an application?
Write to:
Alzheimer's Association – Great Plains Area Chapter
5601 S. 27th St., Ste. 201
Lincoln, NE 68512
(402) 420-2540
(402) 420-2540 Fax
