Seven Respite Services Retain Recognition as Innovative and Exemplary

Washington, D.C., November 13, 2023—The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center is pleased to announce that 7 respite services from across the country were renewed for an additional three years of recognition as Innovative and Exemplary Respite Services.

All of these programs were previously recognized for this highest level of distinction in 2020. Following an in-depth review, the following Innovative and Exemplary Respite Services were renewed for recognition through 2026:

CareBreaks Volunteer Nursing Student Respite Workforce, Cranston, RI

Caregiving Youth Project Respite, American Association of Caregiving Youth, Boca Raton, FL

ChildServe, Johnston, IA

Partners in Caring, Lifespan of Greater Rochester, Rochester, NY

Ryan House, Phoenix, AZ

The Respite Center Program, RISE Wisconsin, Madison, WI

TRE-ADD Respite Program, Community Living Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In order to maintain this recognition, respite services must continue to meet the rigorous selection criteria for Innovative and Exemplary Respite Services established by ARCH and its national selection committee. In addition, many of these programs went beyond expectations by continuing to provide flexible and meaningful respite services and supports during the pandemic; expanding their services and reach; or engaging in new activities to improve and document service quality and shore up their workforce.

In addition, Innovative status was renewed for the following programs: Nurturing Newborns, Centennial, CO; SOAR365 Respite, Chesterfield, VA; and the Jack Norton Caregiver Respite Program, ALS Association MN, ND and SD Chapter, St. Paul, MN. Innovative services meet all of the selection criteria except for having an evaluation plan in place.

Two Rising Star programs were also renewed: Bethel Life Loving Hands, Greenville, PA, and Alzheimer’s Disease Caregiver Support Initiative, Queensbury, NY. Rising Stars have demonstrated a person and family-centered approach to respite services that are readily recognized as worthwhile , but have not yet met all criteria for Innovative or Exemplary practice.

Respite is the most frequently requested support service among the nation’s 53 million family caregivers, yet 86% do not receive respite services, despite the proven benefits to caregivers and care recipients. Respite for these families can help reduce caregiver stress, improve caregiver and family health and well-being, help avoid more costly out-of-home placements, and may even help to reduce the likelihood of abuse or neglect.

By recognizing high quality respite services across the country, ARCH hopes to encourage the study, expansion and replication of such services.

For more detailed information about each program, visit the ARCH website.

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The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center (ARCH), national in scope, is a program of Families and Communities Rising in Durham, NC. ARCH assists and promotes the development of quality respite and crisis care programs; helps families locate respite in their communities; and serves as a strong voice for respite in all forums.

Visit archrespite.org or call (703) 256-2084 for more information.