Respite Voucher Programs
What are Respite Voucher Programs?
Respite Voucher Programs, also known as stipend, grant, or reimbursement programs, make funds available through self-direction to help family caregivers pay for respite care. Such programs empower family caregivers by giving them control in selecting, hiring, and if they choose, training their own respite providers. Payments can also be made directly to the respite provider or agency chosen by the family caregiver.
Overall, self-direction in respite provides the care recipient and their primary family caregiver control of who provides services and how that is achieved. Choice and control help to ensure that services are person and family-centered and result in satisfaction with services received.
Self-directed respite voucher programs may be offered through Medicaid Waiver Programs, the Family Caregiver Support Program administered by Area Agencies on Aging, Veteran-Directed Services, State or county-funded respite programs, or Lifespan Respite Care state grantees. In implementing a respite voucher program, States use a variety of delivery and reimbursement systems, target different populations, and define provider eligibility differently. A majority of Lifespan Respite state grantees currently offers self-directed respite voucher programs that serve families caring for an individual of any age or condition who may not otherwise be eligible for other publicly funded respite programs.
developed by Applied Self-Direction with the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center. Authors: Molly Morris and Laura Mauldin, Applied Self-Direction
The guide is offered as an updated resource for programs, including State Lifespan Respite Program grantees and their partners who provide respite and are interested in developing and implementing self-directed respite care, especially through voucher programs. Included are: overview materials on self-direction; in-depth case studies of respite voucher programs in three states that currently implement different models of self-directed respite voucher systems; important tax and financial information; labor department regulations; and resources for additional materials.
Self-Assessment Readiness Review for Self-Directed Respite Voucher Programs
The Self-Assessment Readiness Review for Self-Directed Respite Voucher Programs is a tool developed in consultation with Applied Self-Direction to complement the Self-Directed Respite Voucher Guide. It can be used by Lifespan Respite grantees, State Respite Coalitions, respite providers, Area Agencies on Aging, and any state or local program to conduct an internal assessment of agency readiness to start, expand or enhance a self-directed respite voucher program.
Respite Voucher Program Resources
Voucher Resources from the ARCH Resource Library
State Respite Voucher Tools for program replication.
State Respite Voucher Guidance
Results of Respite Voucher Survey, 2021
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