Conference Program and Presentations
Browse or download the conference program booklet.
There were forty breakout sessions in seven tracks to choose from.
Please find the breakout session presentation slides below.
Read more about Keynote and Plenary Session Speakers, and view their presentation slides.
Keynote Speaker Slides
If available, please find the presentation slides of keynote speakers and plenary session panelists.
Breakout Session Presentation Slides
Innovations Working with Diverse Populations to Raise, Engage, and Launch Respite in Washington State
- Rosalyn Alber • Kinship and Lifespan Respite Program Manager, Aging and Long-Term
Support Administration, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services,
Lacey, WA - Dana Allard-Webb • Family Caregiver Support Program Manager, Aging and Long-Term
Support Program, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Lacey, WA
The Washington State Lifespan Respite Program (LRW) seeks to increase respite participation of underserved communities. Caregiver voices are vital in learning about needs, fears, and barriers they may face when reaching out for help. During this presentation, we will discuss some of the strategies currently being used in Washington State to address these issues. Highlights include the work with Tribal and Latinx communities and increasing opportunities for caregivers and receivers to be included in programming.
Propelling the Respite Workforce by Developing Student Respite Programs
- Kim Whitmore, PhD, RN • Assistant Professor, Marquette University College of Nursing,
Milwaukee, WI
Engaging students as respite providers is a great way to Propel the Respite Workforce. Student respite programs are mutually beneficial, ensuring caregivers have access to high quality respite care, care recipients receive quality supports and another opportunity to ENGAGE in meaningful activities, and students ENGAGE in the realities of caregiving and gain hands-on skills. In this session, you will learn about the Student Respite Program Toolkit developed by the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin.
Using the Caregiver Intensity Index to RAISE and Engage Family Caregivers
- Sarah Stephens Winnay • Co-Founder, ARCHANGELS, Newton Center, MA
- Deana Prest • Caregiver Support Program Director, New York State Office for the Aging
(NYSOFA), Albany, NY
In New York State, there are over 4.1 million caregivers providing 2.68 billion hours of unpaid care. More than 50% of caregivers do not self-identify as a caregiver, causing challenges for caregiver engagement. To combat this, the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is collaborating with ARCHANGELS, using their Caregiver Intensity Index, to engage caregivers and link them to resources.
USAging’s Innovations in Family Caregiver Services and Supports Initiative:
Respite and Trauma-informed Care Action Guides
- Cara Goldstein • Assistant Director, Caregiving Services and Supports, USAging,
Washington, DC - Sarah Toevs, PhD • ARCH Consultant and Professor Emeritus, School of Public and
Population Health, Boise State University, Boise, ID - Carly Bruski, LMSW • Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, Jewish Federations of North America’s Center on Aging, Trauma, and Holocaust Survivor Care, New York, NY
Presenters will highlight the work of USAging’s Innovations in Family Caregiver Services and
Supports Initiative and resources that are available through that effort. Attendees will learn
about new resources available through the Caregiver Services and Support Action Guide
series. The Respite Action Guide will be highlighted along with strategies for applying the
information. Additionally, the Person- and Family-Centered Trauma-Informed Care Action
Guide and Social Determinants of Health Action Guide will also be presented.
PPT Slides are not available
Implementing a Limited Launch for New or Improved Respite Care Service Programs
- Amy Dewitt-Smith, MPA • Founder/Executive Director, Neighbor Network of Northern
Nevada (N4), Reno, NV
As the founder and executive director of the Neighbor Network of Northern Nevada, Amy Dewitt-Smith has carried the principles of design-thinking, person-centered planning, and full community inclusion throughout her work in aging and disability services. This session will review how to implement a human-centered design approach for respite care services and the importance of addressing community access and inclusion using an innovative, community-focused respite care program design.
Caregiver Support Services, Offering Comprehensive Support to Caregivers and Their Families to Prevent Child Abuse & Neglect
- Larry Cooper, MSW, LCSW • Executive Vice President of Innovation, Children’s Home
Network, Tampa, FL - Stephen Foshey, BS, CCWS • Director of Caregiver Support Services, Children’s Home
Network, Tampa, FL - Nicole Ortiz, MS • Support Services Manager, Children’s Home Network, Tampa, FL
The Caregiver Support Services (CSS) program provides a unique opportunity for families who are experiencing acute stressors and/or disability challenges. CSS provides respite in many scenarios that empower the family to gain supports and relief in caregiving, emphasizing self-care. CSS allows for wrap-around services ensuring that resources are in place to provide longevity of support, decreasing the risk of the children entering the dependency system. CSS empowers families through support groups and after care.
There’s No Break: Parents of Children with Medical Complexity Recommend Peer Navigation to Improve Respite Access
- Amy Porter, MD, PhD • Physician-investigator, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard
Medical School, Boston, MA
This qualitative, ethnographic study confirmed that parents of children with medical complexity identify respite as critical to well-being and sustaining caregiving capacity, yet lack bandwidth to pursue possible services. Findings illuminated parents’ creative approaches to finding opportunities to recharge in the absence of formal respite care and amplified their recommendations for supporting respite access through parent-to-parent peer navigation.
PPT slides are not available.
Implementing Goal #1 of the RAISE National Strategy: Awareness and Outreach to Family Caregivers
- Siena Ruggeri • Community Engagement Consultant, Community Catalyst, Boston, MA
- Megan Schwalm, PhD • Executive Director, Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, Nashville, TN
This presentation will share learnings, best practices, and implementation strategies on awareness and outreach to diverse family caregiver populations. The session will detail national, state, and community-level outreach efforts to implement Goal #1 of the RAISE National Strategy.
Stellar Respite Care: A Constellation of Support at Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options (JAFCO’s) Children’s Ability Center
- Lindsay San, MS, BCBA • Program Director, Jewish Adoption and Family Care Options
(JAFCO) Children’s Ability Center, Sunrise, FL - Shirley Lora Reyes, DMFT, LMFT • Shelter Supervisor, JAFCO Children’s Ability Center,
Sunrise, FL - Justin Kohlhagen, PsyD • Executive Director, JAFCO Children’s Ability Center, Sunrise, FL
This presentation will explore JAFCO’s Constellation of Care model, demonstrating how integrated respite care and supportive services are designed to meet the diverse needs of the entire family. Attendees will learn about trauma-informed, family-centered approaches that empower parents, siblings, and children through tailored services like support groups, educational advocacy, and enrichment programs, creating a lasting, positive impact on families raising children with developmental disabilities that extends far beyond respite care.
Building Elder Justice Strong Communities
- Robyn James • Director, Elder Justice Center of Alabama, Alabastar, AL
Building Elder Justice Strong Communities can make the difference for older adults and their family caregivers to be heard, supported, and engaged at home and in their community. All of us play a critical role to ensure communities learn how to become “elder justice strong” and the value it brings to all aging in place initiatives.
Unseen Barriers: Navigating Memory Loss Care Across Cultural Lines
- Doris Karpeh-Diaz • Director, Centro De Amigos Social Adult Day Care, Haverstraw, NY
This session explores challenges in providing memory care across cultural differences. Attendees will learn strategies to address language barriers, cultural disconnects, and effective communication through case studies and best practices. Designed for healthcare organizations and community-based providers, this presentation emphasizes culturally competent care to improve engagement and health outcomes for diverse aging populations. Discover how integrating these practices can transform your approach to person-centered care.
Breakrooms that Raise and Engage Faith Communities and Volunteers to Re-Launch Respite Now as Part of a Statewide Coalition
- Kathy Mayfield Smith MBA, MA • Associate Director, Institute for Families in Society,
University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC - Toy Pilot • Executive Director, South Carolina Respite Coalition, Columbia, SC
With South Carolina’s Lifespan Respite grant, we developed a model for faith- and community-based respite for replication. Presenters will discuss the Breakroom model, strategies to support development using the How To Guide, evidence of effectiveness, and lessons learned. We will share challenges during COVID, ways we broadened the vision, expanding to engage partners in the broader coalition through regional events, enabling Breakrooms to be a center for educating caregivers and building circles of support.
From Campus to Community: Respite Care through Service Learning, Internship, and Employment Opportunities for College Students
- Ashley Woodman, PhD • Director, Developmental Disabilities and Human Services,
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA
We will present an overview of the Campus to Community Respite Care Program at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Starting in 2019, this program has connected undergraduate students in psychology, education, nursing and other disciplines with local families raising children, adolescents, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will present feedback gathered through caregiver interviews and student surveys as well as evidence of student growth in respite care provider competencies defined by a national expert work group convened by ARCH.
A Mindful Moment for Respite: Brief Relaxation Interventions for Families
- Emily Davidson, MD, MPH, RYT • Attending Physician, Boston Children’s Hospital,
Attending Physician, Boston, MA
This session will discuss the impact of caregiving on physical and mental health and provide participants with an experience of relaxation techniques (chair yoga and meditation) that can be used to mediate stresses of caregiving. A tool kit including other brief mindfulness practices and resources will be provided.
National Respite Care Provider Training: Final Evaluation Results
- Kim Whitmore, PhD, RN • ARCH Consultant and Assistant Professor, Marquette University
College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI
The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center and the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin, in collaboration with the National Academy for State Health Policy, developed the National Respite Care Provider Training. The training, along with a unique recruitment strategy, were field tested in ten states, yielding a wealth of data on the success and challenges of the initiative. In this session, the presenter will share the final evaluation results from state data that was collected by the pilot sites, from interviews with respite learners, and from an analysis of social network mapping.
Beyond Respite: Creating a Supportive Community for Caregivers
- Anisha Bell • Helpline Coordinator, Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, Nashville, TN
- Breion Dixon • Outreach Program Manager, Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, Nashville, TN
This presentation will showcase the Tennessee Caregiver Coalition (TCC)’s transformation following caregiver feedback in 2023. Recognizing challenges like social isolation and the need for education, TCC adopted a holistic approach to foster community among caregivers. The name change reflects this shift, enhancing programming to promote networking and resource sharing, particularly for underserved populations. Participants will learn the value of caregiver input and how to start creating their own communities through events.
Reclaiming Joy Together- A Community Response to Dementia
- Daphne Johnston • Founder and Executive Director, Respite for All Foundation,
Montgomery, AL
The Respite for All Foundation inspires and supports the launch of volunteer-based communities that provide joyful environments for individuals living with dementia. RFA’s approach is radically new as it utilizes countless volunteers to blur the line between volunteer and participant and create an opportunity for all to contribute. Attendees will learn why faith communities are poised to lead sustainable local respite groups and learn about our highly successful volunteer recruitment strategy.
Caregivers SOAR: A Model for Sustainable, Community-Driven Respite Services
- Kimberly Martin, M.Ed., LMFT • Assistant Vice President, Child and Family Services at
Riverside Community Care, Dedham, MA
Discover Riverside Community Care’s Caregivers SOAR program, an innovative approach to community-based respite services blending traditional mental health support with person-centered coaching. This model meets caregivers’ immediate needs while fostering resilience and personal growth through flexible engagement options. By integrating unique roles like Sustainability Coaches and Family Partners, SOAR empowers caregivers to navigate complex systems effectively. Join us to explore how this transformative program enhances support for
caregivers and youth, promoting well-being and community connection.
Solidifying the Bedrock of Successful Lifespan Respite Care Programs
- Kate Rasulova, MPA • Planner, Planning, Policy and Program Development Unit, Delaware
Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, Newark, DE
Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD)’s research, in collaboration with Guidehouse Consulting, explores enhancements to respite care services, aligning with the goals of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers. The study emphasizes a comprehensive, data-driven approach to improving respite care, integrating feedback from caregivers and stakeholders. Key findings highlight the need for flexible, culturally competent care options, addressing caregiver burnout, and expanding service menus. The presentation will cover data gathering methods, translating research into practice, and systems change through successful partnerships.
College Partners Rising to Engage Their Community Through Respite
- Rachel Winston, DNP, RN • Nursing Faculty/Respite Program Coordinator, University of
North Alabama, Florence, AL
This presentation will help academic institutions better understand the unique benefits of hosting a local respite program. Respite programs provide families of children with special needs with short-term periods of relief from often daunting caregiver responsibilities. Additionally, the respite program provides college students valuable experiential learning opportunities and it affords the college a means of serving the local community.
Respite Collaboration in Model Development, Sustainability, and Funding
- John Tyler • Senior Philanthropic Advisor, The Philanthropic Initiative/Exhale, Boston, MA
- Phyllis Gunning, MPH • Director of Network Development, Western New York Integrated
Care Collaborative, Buffalo, NY - Daysi Ball • Director, BFNC Life Center, Buffalo Federation of Neighborhood Centers,
Buffalo, NY
Exhale, The Family Caregiver Initiative, was established in 2019 to support innovation and expansion of respite services for caregivers of older adults. Respite organizations established partnerships to implement programs for family caregivers. As grant funding ends, Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative – a Community Care Hub – assists organizations in sustainability planning through a community-based business model. A case study will describe how one program benefitted from the partnerships and access to resources in planning for future sustainability.
Assistive Technology Kits for Caregiver Respite
- Shelley Gladden • Assistant Director, Oklahoma ABLE Tech, Stillwater, OK
- Talena Ford • Programs Administrator, Community Living, Aging and Protective Services
(CAP), Oklahoma Human Services Grants and Coalitions Unit, Oklahoma City, OK
This presentation introduces the “Community Partners Respite Program,” an innovative initiative utilizing Assistive Technology (AT) kits to provide temporary relief to family caregivers. Learn about the program’s goals, the types of AT kits available, and the positive impact of AT on caregiver well-being and the lives of those receiving care.
Integrating Direct Care Workers and Family Caregivers
- Conor Callahan • Family Caregiving Lead, ADvancing States, Arlington, VA
- April Young • Senior Director of Strategic Initiatives, ADvancing States, Arlington, VA
Without family caregivers and direct care workers, the long-term services and supports (LTSS) system cannot function. The two groups, however, are rarely formally connected in meaningful ways. This session will highlight recent efforts by state and local governments, managed care organizations, and community-based organizations to promote caregiver integration across care teams, matching service registries, case management and caregiver training, and research and data collection. Presenters in this workshop will share about two projects funded through the support of The John A. Hartford Foundation – Together in Care and the Cross-State Caregiving Collaborative – and engage the audience in brainstorming other possibilities to effectively support these critical groups.
Supporting Working Family Caregivers in South Carolina: A Pilot Program
- Jennifer Brewton, LMSW • Caregiver and Alzheimer’s Resource Division Director, South
Carolina Department on Aging, Columbia, SC - Lauren McNally, LMSW • Deputy Finance Director, Trident Area Agency on Aging,
Charleston, SC
This workshop will discuss the creation, implementation, and results of a successful pilot program designed to support working family caregivers in South Carolina’s Trident Region, and its subsequent expansion statewide. The program aims to help caregivers balance work and family responsibilities by offering reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses for in-home or adult day services. This support allows caregivers to afford care for their loved ones while remaining in the workforce.
Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network: A Community of Caregiving Rooted in Shared Experience
- Elizabeth Bostic • Assistant Director, Division for Children and Youth with Special Health
Needs, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Boston, MA - Ashley Woodman, PhD • Director, Developmental Disabilities and Human Services,
University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA - Valeryia Pedersen • Director, Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network, Federation for
Children with Special Needs, Boston, MA
This presentation highlights the origin, planning and implementation of Caregiver to Caregiver (C2C) Respite Network, a statewide network of families who have children with disabilities, medically complex needs or mental health challenges up to the age of 26 and support each other by providing and receiving respite. Attendees will gain insight on data around the respite provider crisis, C2C program logistics, participant feedback and program evaluation completed in partnership with University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Introducing the 2025 Innovative and Exemplary Respite Services
- Susan Summers, PhD • Senior Evaluation Consultant, ARCH National Respite Network and
Resource Center, Seattle, WA - Amy Dewitt-Smith, MPA • Founder/Executive Director, Neighbor Network of Northern
Nevada (N4), Reno, NV - Patricia Dominguez, MSW • Director, Kinship Care Services, Duet: Partners in Health &
Aging, Phoenix, AZ - Lisa McCoon • CEO, Pause for Parents, Play for Kids, Liberty Township, OH
- Megan Schwalm, PhD • Executive Director, Tennessee Caregiver Coalition, Nashville, TN
During this session, Susan Summers with the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource
Center will introduce model respite services recognized by ARCH as Innovative and
Exemplary in 2025. All serve different populations and represent unique approaches to
providing respite. Presenters will discuss the components of their services that make them
exceptional, innovative, sustainable, and worthy of national replication.
Small State, Satellite Solutions: Expanding Group Respite to Multi-Generational Service for Families Across Rhode Island
- Christine McGrane, PhD, RN, CNE • Clinical Assistant Professor, College of Nursing,
University of Rhode Island, Exeter, RI
The Rhode Island Lifespan Respite Care Program assessed and acted upon the increasing need for group respite services, particularly on the weekends, and across all ages, as well as the students’ willingness to volunteer their time in this endeavor. We have set our sights on meeting the respite needs of family caregivers closer to their homes through a networking process with parent advocates and special interest groups, guiding us toward the next step of satellite solutions.
Engaging Caregivers Through Co-located Services
- Lisa Felci Jimenez, LSW, RN • Director of Clinical Services, Mystic Valley Elder Services,
Malden, MA - Lisa Beauregard, PhD • Director of Quality and Evaluation, Mystic Valley Elder Services,
Malden, MA
Mystic Valley Elder Services is providing co-located services for caregivers and care recipients funded through a grant provided by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs. Co-located services offer an opportunity for caregivers to engage with their care recipient in programming that allows for them to fall back into their previous roles as partners, child parent
or friends and participate in an activity that sparks joy.
Understanding Caregivers Experiences with Respite Care: Insights from a Nebraska Statewide Survey
- Renee Paulin, MSN, RN, CPN, CWOCN • Assistant Director, Continuing interProfessional
Development and Innovation, Wound Treatment Associate Course Coordinator, University
of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), College of Nursing, Omaha, NE - Sarah Swanson, MPH • Assistant Professor, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI), Omaha,
NE - Kim Falk, BSBA • Program Manager, UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute (MMI), Omaha, NE
This session presents findings from a statewide survey in Nebraska assessing caregivers access to respite care services and the impact of respite on well-being. The presentation will highlight barriers such as workforce shortages, caregiver trust, and geographic disparities, and propose strategies for improving access. These results provide insights into caregiver needs and lead to solutions that can be applied nationally to support families caring for children with disabilities.
Wisconsin’s Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers Grant Overview
- Lynn Gall • Manager of Family Caregiver Support and Lifespan Respite Programs, Bureau
of Aging and Disability Resources, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Madison, WI - Leslie Thede • Program Manager, Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW), Appleton,
WI - Rachel Watkins-Petersen • Assistant Director, Respite Care Association of Wisconsin,
Appleton, WI
We will explore how Wisconsin utilizes a comprehensive framework to develop, test, and scale models aligning with four of The Strategy’s five goals. The session will highlight key implementation strategies, including building cross-sector collaborations and designing tailored support systems for diverse caregiver populations. We will discuss methods for measuring the project’s impact and documenting progress to ensure Wisconsin’s efforts contribute meaningfully to advancing The Strategy’s goals and providing lasting support for family caregivers.
Helping Kinship Families Thrive with Respite Services
- Ana Beltran, JD • Director, Grandfamilies & Kinship Support Network/Generations United,
Washington, D.C.
Across the U.S. there are about 2.5 million children being raised by a grandparent, other relative, or close family friend. Kinship families have unique challenges that, if not addressed, can threaten a family’s stability and potentially result in a child’s placement in foster care with someone unfamiliar. Respite services support kin caregivers and keep families together. Learn promising practices that are being used around the country to provide respite services that help kinship families thrive.
Explore Different Statewide Registries and Learn Steps on How to Implement in Your State
- Lisa Schneider • Executive Director, Respite Care Association of Wisconsin, Appleton, WI
- Adrienne Smith • President and CEO, Founder, New Mexico Caregivers Coalition,
Bernalillo, NM - Sharon Cackett • Assistant Director, NYS Caregiving and Respite Coalition, Rochester, NY
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of Respite Care Provider Registries, covering their function, purpose, importance, and implementation strategies. Attendees will hear insights from three organizations: the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin, New Mexico Caregiver Coalition, and the New York State Caregiving and Respite Coalition – each at different stages in their registry implementation. These three state representatives will discuss the strategies they employed to tackle challenges associated with implementing a statewide respite registry. Presenters will outline the measures taken to mitigate liability and risk concerns, as well as examine the pros and cons of conducting background checks, providing valuable insights to assist your organization in moving forward with a statewide respite registry. The session will include an interactive Q&A segment.
Redefining Respite: Caregiver Connections in Low-Resource Settings
- Sarah Toevs, PhD • Idaho Caregiver Alliance and Professor Emeritus, School of Public and
Population Health, Boise State University, Boise, ID
The National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers defines respite as “any activity that provides the caregiver with a meaningful break.” While this broad definition is somewhat controversial, there is consensus on the desired outcomes of respite. The processes, outcomes, and lessons learned from implementation of family caregiver intervention in a rural state and the question of whether a telephonically delivered program with evidence of improving caregiver quality of life and capacity provides a meaningful break will be explored.
Charting the LifeCourse: A Person-Centered Approach for Respite Planning
- Jane St. John • Lead Production Development Specialist, LifeCourse Nexus, University of
Missouri-Kansas City, MO
Hear how Charting the LifeCourse (CtLC) can enhance respite planning and outcomes for the person and the family. The CtLC person-centered planning process and tools are being used around the country to support good lives for any age or any diagnosis.
Center for Dementia Respite Innovation -- Application Lessons Learned
- Isabella Marini • Associate Director, Center for Dementia Respite Innovation, Alzheimer’s
Association, Chicago, IL - Sara Maloney • Program Director, Center for Dementia Respite Innovation, USAging,
Washington, D.C. - Katie Ballard • Program Manager, Center for Dementia Respite Innovation, USAging,
Washington, D.C.
The Alzheimer’s Association Center for Dementia Respite Innovation (CDRI) funds new respite care innovation projects nationwide. Over the course of five years, the CDRI will award $20 million in competitive grants to respite care providers to increase the availability and to improve the delivery of person-centered dementia care focusing on innovation, collaboration, accessibility, affordability and sustainability. Presenters will share lessons learned from the first application cycle as organizations prepare to apply in year 2.
ARCH’s Respite Research Initiative: Measuring the Value of Respite
- Kim Whitmore, PhD, RN • ARCH Consultant and Assistant Professor, Marquette University
College of Nursing, Milwaukee, WI
Through its decade long Respite Research Initiative, the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center undertook activities to expand and strengthen opportunities for respite research. ARCH convened the Committee for Advancement of Respite Research in 2020 to continue to advance a respite research agenda and held a Respite Research Summit in 2024 to highlight CARR’s capstone work – the Value of Respite Model and Recommended Common Data Elements (CDEs) for Respite Research. In this session, Dr. Kim Whitmore, CARR facilitator, will describe the model and CDEs, summarize the major findings from the Respite Research Summit, and share next steps for building an evidence-base for respite care.
Respite Sibshops and Sibling Camp: Inclusive Models to Support the Family as a Whole
- Samantha Basave • Oklahoma Sibling Support Coordinator, Sooner SUCCESS, Oklahoma
City, OK - Aietah Stephens, MS • Executive Director, Sooner SUCCESS, Oklahoma City, OK
This session will explore evidence-based curricula and approaches to supporting families of children with and without disabilities, such as Respite Sibshops and Sibling Camp, emphasizing the importance of fostering strong family relationships. It will address the emotional, social/psychological impacts on people with disabilities, caregivers, and siblings. Attendees will learn strategies to build caregiver trust in respite, promote resilience in individuals with disabilities, and create supportive networks for siblings.
Skilled, Competent, and Confident: What Does it Mean to Build a Respite Workforce for Children with Medical Complexity?
- Emily Davidson, MD, MPH, RYT • Attending Physician, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston,
MA - Sarah Wells, MSN, RN, CPN, CWOCN • Clinical Nurse Specialist, Boston Children’s
Hospital, Boston, MA
Scholar Provided In-home Respite Novel Training (SPRINT) is a project designed to address workforce shortages for home care and respite for children with medical complexity. This seminar will describe the SPRINT model for training nursing students, share results of SPRINT implementation, and demonstrate new online, self-paced respite training modules designed
to introduce a variety of learners to respite for children with medical complexity.
Empowering Family Caregivers: Innovative Respite Voucher Programs for Enhanced Support
- Julie Lowenthal • Program and Advocacy Specialist, Ageways Nonprofit Senior Services,
Southfield, MI
The Caregiver Respite Voucher Program supports family caregivers by offering temporary relief and reducing stress. Modeled after the Federal Lifespan Respite Care Act, the program distributes vouchers to eligible caregivers in southeastern Michigan. It improves caregiver well-being, enhances care for older adults, and promotes a sustainable caregiving environment. The presentation will cover the program’s structure, impact, and sustainability, highlighting its role in addressing the caregiver crisis and supporting vulnerable populations.
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