What is Respite?

Being a family caregiver, while a fulfilling role, can consume a great deal of physical, mental, and emotional energy. Respite is very important because it gives family caregivers of persons with ALS an opportunity to create a plan of care for themselves; something a caregiver often overlooks. Respite simply means an interval of rest or relief. Respite gives the family caregiver an opportunity to take a much-needed break from the daily care that they provide for their loved one. There are many ways "time off" can be spent during respite.

Here are just a few examples:

• Go to the movies
• Read a book or take a nap
• Treat yourself to lunch at a restaurant with a friend
• Take a walk
• Get your hair cut
• Attend a caregiver support group

Program Eligibility:

• The ALS family submitting an application must reside in Florida.
• Individuals must be registered with the ALS Association.
• One application per family will be accepted annually.
• This grant program is designed to provide respite to full-time caregivers who live in the same household as the person living with ALS.
• Award recipients will receive a $2000 grant to allow them to hire respite services through either “self-coordinated” or “agency”:
  - “Self-coordinated” - Families may choose to contract with an individual of their choice, other than a family member.
  - "Agency”- Families may select a home care agency to provide a professional caregiver. The ALS Association staff may assist in providing options based on where the person with ALS lives.
• Grant recipients are responsible for hiring, coordinating visits, and paying for services. Informational resources will be shared to guide you through this process.
• Hiring of certified nursing assistant (CNA) or home health aide (HHA) is encouraged, while not required.

Individuals receiving care and/or benefits through the following programs are not eligible to apply:

• Individuals who live in a skilled nursing facility;
• Veterans receiving service-connected benefits;
• Individuals receiving care through Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care – Long Term Care Program.

Program Requirements:

Those interested in receiving grant funding are required to apply.  All applicants must agree to the following:

• Participate in a 45-minute orientation (will be available recorded) about the program and helpful tips in hiring respite services. 
• Utilize funds within six months of award grant receipt.
• Complete two surveys at three-month and six-month point to provide feedback on accessing respite services. Your feedback will be helpful as we look to expand respite programming for ALS families.
• Submit receipts and/or a time log for respite services at the end of the six-month award period.

Applications are currently being accepted July 15 through August 5, 2024.

APPLY HERE

LINKS TO OTHER TOOLS:
 

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Factsheet: Choosing a Home Health Care Agency
• Factsheet: Hiring In-Home Help Independently
• Factsheet: Working Successfully with In-Home Service Providers
• 381.026 - Florida Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities - Florida Department of Health guidelines of what patients should expect when hiring in-home services.
• Resources for Caregivers