Action Center    Lifespan Respite Act

Lifespan Respite Act

Action

The Lifespan Respite Care Act passed in 2006. Unfortunately no funding has yet been appropriated for the program. Without funding, many states are unable to provide vital coordinated respite services to people of all ages in need.

Call your Representative through the Capitol switchboard on 202-225-3121 and urge them to fund the Lifespan Respite Care Act at its authorized level. You may also want to share a brief story about how respite care could have helped you or someone you know.  To learn who your members of congress are visit www.congress.org

Background

This Lifespan Respite Care Act authorizes competitive grants to states to make quality respite available and accessible to family caregivers, regardless of age or disability. The act requires grantees to identify, coordinate and build on federal, state and local respite resources and would help support, expand and streamline planned and emergency respite, as well as providing training. 

Respite keeps families together.  Even a short break from caring responsibilities can make all the difference.  Caregivers give so much, and what they give helps all of us: without respite, thousands more people would have to be cared for by the state.  Respite is something we can give back.

Connect

Visit the National Respite Coalition to learn more.  Use the Respite Locator Service to determine if there is a respite program in your area, and ask if grandfamilies can participate.

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