Respite Funding Available for Caregivers of Family Members with Brain Injury

Are you an unpaid family caregiver providing care for a relative with Brain Injury in your household? Learn how to apply to receive up to $400 in reimbursement payments to purchase respite services. The $400 voucher allows caregivers to pay for respite, giving caregivers a temporary break from the ongoing stress of providing in-home care.

The Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services' (DARS)  Lifespan Respite Voucher Program can reimburse up to $400 per household for respite services to assist Virginians with Brain Injuries and the family members who provide their care.  This special “Brain Injury Respite” funding expires June 30th, so apply SOON!

To apply for the Virginia Lifespan Respite Voucher Program:

• You must be a Virginia caregiver of a child / adult with a Brain Injury who resides in your household full-time.

• You may receive up to $400 in reimbursement funds per family per year. The primary family caregiver for the person receiving care must apply for the funds.

• You may not use the reimbursement Respite funds to pay for normal household expenses or daycare, for example, so that the caregiver can go to work. The purpose is to provide a “break from caregiving” by allowing the family caregiver to purchase outside respite care.

• Funds are limited! Not everyone who applies will be approved even if eligible. The “Brain Injury” dedicated funding for Respite is dependent upon the availability of funds, which expire June 30th.

To apply, visit http://www.vda.virginia.gov/respiteservices.asp, e-mail Mary Strawderman, the Respite Program Administrator, at   mary.strawderman@dars.virginia.gov, or call (804) 662-7505.

Definition:
Respite is planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with a special need in order to provide temporary relief to the family caregiver of that child or adult. Respite services may be provided by an individual or organization on a temporary basis, in a variety of settings, including the family home, adult day centers, respite centers, or residential care facilities. Respite is a key component of family support and home and community based long-term services and supports. Respite services strengthen family systems while protecting the health and well-being of both caregivers and care recipients. (Definition from ARCH National Respite Network & Resource Center)