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Innovative and Exemplary Respite Services  

ARCH is now accepting applications for national recognition in 2021 of Innovative and Exemplary Respite Services.  The deadline to submit an application for recognition has been extended to April 1, 2021.  Read more about the selection process below and about previously selected services here:

The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center seeks exemplary and innovative respite services from across the nation.  

We wish to learn more about respite services that are evidence-based or evidence informed, that appear promising, or that are trying new service models. Further, they need to have some preliminary data or plan to collect data that demonstrate benefits to caregivers, care recipients, and/or family systems. 

We are looking for respite services that address some challenging aspect of respite care delivery, such as reaching rural or military family caregivers, individuals with mental health and/or behavioral issues, grandparent or relative caregivers, or adults with disabilities and chronic conditions, for example.

Given the current pandemic, we also welcome applications from programs that may have creatively redefined their respite services to meet family caregivers' current and evolving needs for support and social connections, or modified their respite services, eligibility, or location to enhance respite service flexibility and access in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. 

ARCH is also seeking respite services that use exemplary or innovative approaches to enhancing access to respite or improving quality of services and address questions, such as: 

  • When operating in pre-pandemic times, did the respite service provide inclusive activities in the community that are enjoyable and meaningful for the care recipient and others?

  • Does the respite service collect caregiver/care recipient/family outcome data that describe improved well-being and ability to remain at home (beyond just service satisfaction)?

  • Does the respite service help family caregivers plan to make the most of their respite time by engaging in activities most meaningful to them?

  • Does the respite service attract and retain highly qualified respite providers or volunteers? 

These questions are meant only to suggest examples of what might be considered exemplary or innovative and are not meant to be limiting descriptors. We welcome creativity, especially in these challenging times! 

The services selected by ARCH for recognition may demonstrate practices that are exemplary, innovative or both. Services may also be recognized as Rising Stars. Rising Stars have demonstrated a person and family-centered approach, but have not yet met all criteria for Innovative or Exemplary practice.

Please read additional definitions of respite and special needs. 

 

THE DEADLINE TO APPLY IS NOW APRIL 1, 2021.
How to Apply: 

  • Complete the short pre-application checklist to see if your respite service qualifies.  You must be able to respond "YES" to each question to qualify. Programs that cannot answer yes to all three Pre-Application Screening questions cannot be considered for a full review.

  • Complete the application online.  We strongly encourage you to read the instructions before attempting to complete the online application. 

  • You may also submit a hard copy of your application responses.  You can retrieve the application questions here.  If you are completing a hard copy of this application, you may send your responses electronically to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or fax it to ARCH at 703-256-0541.          

 

APPLY HERE

 

 

 How will you benefit?

We invite you to nominate your service if you believe it is strong overall, or if it has areas of strength that you wish to share with others. If selected, your services will be recognized as a potential model for replication and become part of a national network of respite services committed to providing person and family-centered respite services.  Recognized services will receive:

  • National recognition for outstanding work, including publicity through ARCH’s website, publications, and social media outlets;

  • A letter of support from ARCH, upon request;

  • An official Innovative and/or Exemplary Respite Services logo for use on website and other materials; and

  • A certificate recognizing this accomplishment.

In 2021, small honorariums will be presented to respite services recognized as both Innovative AND Exemplary.  Read about the respite services recognized in 2019 and in 2020.

Once a service has been recognized as Innovative, Exemplary or both, or as a Rising Star, the designation is valid for three years. At the end of this time period, ARCH will request updated information from recognized services on the status of the services(s), including any new development or major changes, and to assess the program's capacity to continue to ensure program quality and innovation. There is no need for a service recognized in a prior year to complete another application. 

Exemplary Logo

 

How will ARCH use the information?

The application was designed to help us identify real life “best practice” respite care services. We plan to use the information   we gather:

  • to encourage innovation and quality in respite services nationwide;

  • to promote person and family-centered services that are desired by family caregivers and the persons in their care;

  • in a national on-line data base of exemplary respite services to share with the media, funders, government agencies, individuals, organizations and others searching for model services to replicate;

  • to inform national training and technical assistance;

  • in publications about respite care; and

  • to help advocate for new respite services, enhance existing services, and move toward evidence-based practices.

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If you need more information about nominating your respite services, or assistance in completing the application, please contact: Susan Janko Summers, ARCH Consultant, Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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