This particular respite care program no longer exists. It has been replaced with the Lifespan Respite Care Program.
This page is maintained for historical purposes.
The Idaho Senior Services Respite Program, which may also be called Family Care Respite, provides trained professionals that relieve a caregiver of his or her caregiving responsibilities for short periods of time. This program offers respite care, which depending on the region within the state, may be in the home, in adult day care, and in overnight residences. It is managed locally by the Area Agencies on Aging; some of which also provide transportation assistance services to help elderly care recipients, including those with Alzheimer’s disease, arrive in a respite care location.
Families have a choice of respite providers, but cannot choose to hire other family members to provide the respite care. Typically, families are given vouchers that they use to "pay" their respite caregiver. The respite caregiver then redeems the voucher with the state for payment.
It is possible to be denied services in this program due to lack of available funding or personnel. In these cases, qualified candidates can be added to a waiting list.
Prioritization of services is based on a combination of the severity of the applicant's needs and their lack of existing support. The age and physical condition of the individual providing care may also be a prioritization factor.
Caregiver relief or respite is usually provided for short periods of time, typically around 4 hours several times a month. However, in this program, overnight respite is also available. Respite can be provided at home, in adult day care centers, or in residential care communities. Transportation to and from an adult day care center or residential care community is another benefit of this program. (Please note that some areas of Idaho only offer in-home respite care). While caregivers receive respite, care recipients also benefit through an increase in companionship and a diversity of caregivers. Personal care assistance may also be provided.
25% of Idaho residents provide some form of unpaid caregiving each year. Their efforts help many aging loved ones remain living independently.
The Respite Program is managed by the Idaho Commission on Aging. It is administered locally by the state's 6 Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). AAA coverage areas and contact information is available here. Additional, but limited, program information can be found here.