Caregiver Respite Scholarships are a valuable form of support provided by LifePath directly to unpaid caregivers who provide assistance to support individuals to remain in their homes. The caregivers might be caring for a person with a developmental disability, dementia, or complex medical conditions. Caregivers may also be grandparents caring for grandchildren. The scholarships aim to alleviate the pressures experienced by caregivers and simultaneously enhance the quality of care provided to the recipient.
Both caregivers and care recipients benefit from these respite scholarships. They allow caregivers to take a well-deserved break, ensuring the continuity of appropriate care for the recipient. Respite can take many different forms, ranging from temporary care for the recipient while the caregiver takes time off to the provision of activities promoting the caregiver’s personal well-being, like gym memberships and massage sessions. Scholarships can be used for things like headphones, tablets, or comfort pets to help provide productive activities for care recipients. They can also be used for camp scholarships, membership fees, or tuition for grandchildren.
Eligibility for respite scholarships extends to any caregiver looking after individuals with dementia, a developmental disability, behavioral health issues, or complex medical needs. Grandparents caring for their grandchildren are also considered eligible.
The Community Engagement Center (CEC), a program of LifePath and The Care Collaborative, is an innovative respite program that provides participants with engaging programming and caregivers with a break. The caregiver and participant also have the opportunity to develop long-lasting community relationships. For more information on the CEC, click here.
One of the biggest challenges caregivers experience is finding someone to provide care so they can leave the house for a few hours to attend a support group, go grocery shopping, or simply rest. If you are interested in learning more about becoming a respite provider, call and ask for the Neighbor Helping Neighbor program. We can help match you to options that best fit your interests. Training and compensation can be provided.
Recently, we were able to provide a respite scholarship to a woman who wanted to visit her grandchildren who lived in another state. Using the respite grant, she was able to pay for care for her loved one while she was away enjoying time with her grandchildren. She was able to pay a trusted friend who was known to her loved one. She had a great time away and her loved one enjoyed a change of pace and the company of the friend.
Supporting caregivers is core to LifePath’s mission. We encourage individuals to reach out to the Information and Caregiver Resource Center at 413-773-5555, Ext. 1230, to explore the available assistance. There are several funding options tailored to support caregivers.
