Alzheimer Respite Funds

Alzheimer Respite funds are to be used to provide services that assist family caregivers of people of any age with Alzheimer's Disease or related dementia. These funds are from the state of Ohio through the Ohio Department of Aging and the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging. WRAAA awards these funds competitively to service providers who provide the direct services.
Alzheimer Respite funds may be used for specific services such as personal care, homemaking, adult day care and visiting. Alzheimer Associations' may use the funds for caregiver training, support groups, family care planning meetings, telephone helpline, family education, public education, professional education, newsletters and the Safe Return program.
The newest service, the first such in Ohio, is called Respite Reimbursement, offered only by the Alzheimer's Associations. This unique program, which is a consumer-driven, offers a reimbursement (stipend) to persons living with and providing care to someone with Alzheimer's Disease who could benefit from respite and meet certain other eligibility criteria. Those caregivers who receive the stipend may select to receive service from any established service provider. Families contribute to the cost of the service too.
The Alzheimer's Associations offer families care consultation to help the family select the most appropriate care and then supports the family.
In the 18 months since the program started, 173 caregivers have received stipends.
For more information call the Alzheimer's Association of Cleveland at (216) 721-8457 or visit the website at www.alzclv.org or the Alzheimer's Association, Greater East Ohio Area Chapter (serving Medina County) at (330)-864-5646, or at their website www.alz.org/akroncantonyoungstown/.