Respite Programs

Area Agency on Aging (AAA) Respite Programs

FY 2019-2020

The Area Agency on Aging Respite Programs are for those caregivers providing care at home for a loved one or family member. These respite programs can be used to hire someone to help assist the caregiver with his/her loved one’s care and provide much needed relief. Respite can be provided by an agency, facility or adult day care as well as an individual.

The following guidelines will help determine eligibility:

 SC RESPITE

• Caregivers (age 60+) with respite needs including persons with diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or related memory disorder disease
• Caregivers (age 60+) with children with disabilities needing respite. This includes senior parents (age 60+) with adult children with disabilities.
• Seniors (age 60+) raising children (grandparents or other relatives, not parents)

 ALZHEIMER’s RESPITE

• Individuals caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or a related disorder

 FAMILY CAREGIVER SUPPORT PROGRAM

• Caregivers caring for someone over the age of 60 with health problems or someone of any age with Alzheimer’s or dementia
• Seniors (55+) raising children 18 and under
• Seniors (55+) caring for adults (19-59) with disabilities

The following restrictions will apply in order to be eligible for the Area Agency on Aging Respite Program funds:

• Respite funding from two different respite sources will not be allowed.  This includes Caregiver Support Program, Community Long Term Care, Hospice, Medicaid (PACE) program (for Alzheimer’s Respite and SC Respite), VA benefits providing in-home care, and SC Respite Coalition Vouchers. *Please note that the Alzheimer’s Association takes phone calls and applications, but the AAA issues vouchers.
• Priority in awarding respite funds will be given to caregivers who provide direct care for their loved ones.
• Alzheimer’s caregivers will provide a doctor’s written diagnosis of Alzheimer’s or a related memory disorder disease.
• Respite monies are limited to 90 days from issue date and funds may be lost if voucher is unused.
•  When demand for services exceeds capacity, applicants are placed on a waiting list.

For more information, www.centralmidlands.org/agingservices.asp, or to be mailed an application, please call 803.744.5120.