By Strength for Caring

You may not have heard about the “Lifespan Respite Legislation” that Congress passed, and President Bush signed into law last December. This is a very important piece of legislation, aimed at caregivers, which grants respite (temporary relief) to anyone caring for a loved one.

The act authorizes funding for each State to:

• Develop or enhance temporary relief and respite programs at the state and local levels
• Provide planned and emergency respite for family caregivers of children and adults
• Train and recruit respite workers and volunteers
• Provide information to caregivers about available respite and support services
• Assist caregivers in gaining access to such services.

What This Means to You

As a caregiver, you know how difficult (or impossible) it can be to take time for yourself and receive some temporary relief from your caregiving duties. You may not be able to leave your loved one unattended, even for just five minutes. You may have “used up” all your requests and favors from friends or neighbors to stop by and look after your loved one. Many caregivers find that their friends and family say they want to help, but are often busy when the need arises. As a result, many caregivers simply do not take any time off. They care for their loved ones 24/7, without any time for themselves.

Caregivers often fail to go to their own healthcare checkups, and take care of their own health, because they look after the health of a loved one. Getting respite—or temporary relief—helps caregivers keep themselves healthy.

The Lifespan Respite Legislation is a powerful piece of legislation that authorizes funding for temporary relief for caregivers. The State you live in may provide trained workers to visit your home who specialize in the condition of your loved one. They may provide free transportation to community centers (for your loved one), so you can relax at home or take a walk. Each State will have the ability to decide how to implement the legislation.

Help the Lifespan Respite Legislation Get Funded!

In theory, this act is one of the best things our government has done for family caregivers. However, as yet, the appropriations process in the House and Senate IS NOT including funds for the implementation of the Lifespan Respite Legislation that was passed by Congress and signed by the President last December. What this means is that, despite being passed, no programs have been implemented!

You can help fund these programs—and help give caregivers such as yourself the ability to take much-needed respite.

Go to the ARCH NRN Website and get the information you need to contact your legislators.

Your friends at StrengthForCaring.