| Congress recently passed legislation that authorizes | | | | must set up their own respite care arrangements. |
| $289 million over a five-year period for states to | | | | These families receive no help from the government |
| increase the availability of respite care for families | | | | or non-profit agencies. They have to pay for these |
| who care for chronically ill family members. | | | | services out of their own pockets. Private health |
| Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers | | | | insurance will not cover the cost of respite time. The |
| who take care of individuals with chronic illnesses and | | | | care is custodial rather than medical. |
| disabilities. Respite care may take place at home or | | | | The care that is available from most governmental |
| out of the home. Respite care allows the caregiver | | | | agencies is aimed at low-income families or non- |
| time away from the responsibility of caring for | | | | family members who care for the elderly. The bill |
| someone who is sick and shut in. | | | | would expand those restrictions so that more |
| This legislation is designed to provide family | | | | services would be available for patients at any age or |
| caregivers a break from their daily responsibilities for | | | | income level. |
| patients or loved ones who cannot adequately care | | | | Congress has not yet appropriated the funds for |
| for themselves. Each year over 44 million Americans | | | | these expanded offerings. There are other sources |
| care for an adult family member who has a chronic | | | | available that can help. Some of these organizations |
| illness or disability. | | | | focus on particular illnesses. |
| Millions more Americans are charged with the | | | | The Alzheimer's Association - offers respite services |
| responsibility of caring for younger people who are | | | | in several communities and information and referrals in |
| afflicted with mental retardation or other problems. | | | | other communities. The Alzheimer's Association has a |
| According to Sen. Hillary Clinton, New York Democrat, | | | | 24-hour help line at 800-272-3900 or you can contact |
| who is sponsoring this bill with Rep. Mike Ferguson, a | | | | them at their website alz.org. Each chapter provides |
| New Jersey Republican. "American need relief from | | | | information on some kind of respite care. |
| the physical and financial toll of caring for their loved | | | | Elder Care Locators - People caring for older relatives |
| ones". This Bill will close the income gap that presently | | | | should also contact the Elder Care Locator at |
| exists. | | | | 800-677-1116 which is run by the US Administration |
| The relief for caregivers can be in many variations. | | | | on Aging. There are state and local offices on aging |
| To alleviate the constant stress and financial drain, | | | | that also have information on respite care availability. |
| Congress wants to fill the void in the area of respite | | | | There is additional help at non-profit Family Caregiver |
| care for all families who need time away | | | | Alliance at 800-445-8106 or on their website at |
| torejuvenate from caring for loved ones. | | | | caregiver.org. The map on the website indicates |
| Volunteers are available from agencies that can also | | | | where publicly funded services are available. |
| take patients to adult day care centers where they | | | | Respite care is necessary for families who care for |
| are supervised for several hours per day. These | | | | Alzheimer's patients. It is believed that families benefit |
| services are available but they do not fill the total | | | | as much as the patient. Respite Care helps prevent |
| need of the family. | | | | abuse and neglect. The availability of such care for |
| Most families who are not considered low income | | | | caregivers can reduce costly institutionalization. |