Are you one of the 40 million caregivers in the U.S.? Do you have respite?
Family caregivers play a critical role in supporting individuals who need long-term services and supports. Respite provides an opportunity for family caregivers of individuals with disabilities, chronic health conditions or who are aging to take a much-needed break to care for themselves. Research shows that when family caregivers make time for themselves, they are better caregivers and continue in the caregiving role. In Nebraska, respite is available from a wide variety of resources. It can be provided by paid providers working for community agencies, volunteers or family-identified providers.
There are a variety of respite sources in Nebraska.
The Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network
Funded through contracts with the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, the Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network contracts with six community-based organizations across the state who can assist family caregivers in finding respite funding resources and identifying respite providers.
Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network
This website is a free service available 24 hours, seven days a week. It provides assistance in finding Nebraska Lifespan Respite Network-screened respite providers that best fit a family’s needs and location.
Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Respite Program
This provides an overview of the various programs that offer respite resources. Respite program applications, billing information and training opportunities can be found here.
Sources of respite funding
Lifespan Respite Subsidy Program (DHHS)
This program offers up to $125 a month for family caregivers across the lifespan to receive respite and take a break from caregiving. The funding can be spent monthly or banked and used for an extended period of time, such as a vacation for the family caregiver or a summer camp for the care receiver. More information and the application for the Lifespan Respite Subsidy Program are available on the website. Additional funding for exceptional circumstances, including crisis respite may be available. Funding can reach $1,000 per eligibility year for an eligible client to support an unpaid family caregiver. Eligible circumstances include unplanned events or a health crisis that jeopardizes the health and safety of the client or family caregiver, exceptionally high care needs or high risk of out-of-home placement. This application goes directly to the Lifespan Respite Subsidy Program director (not the respite coordinator). Open the application for more details.
Other sources of respite funding
There are several other sources of potential payment for respite available for family caregivers. This includes those who are eligible for the Aged & Disabled Medicaid Waiver, the Developmental Disabilities Medicaid Waiver and the Supplemental Security Income/Disabled Children’s Program. Check with your services coordinator or call one of the six respite network coordinators for more Information.
Become a respite provider
If you are interested in becoming a respite provider, please visit the Provider Overview.
Contact Us
For additional information about respite care resources contact Kim Falk, UNMC respite employer engagement coordinator. Email | 402-559-4951