In 2009, North Carolina was awarded a small three-year grant from the U.S. Administration on Aging. The funds were made possible by the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006. NC is currently one of 24 states with this limited funding designed to encourage states to more fully collaborate as providers, payers, and supporters of respite services.
North Carolina's grant project is being led by the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), of the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services, in collaboration with the North Carolina Respite Care Coalition, the Division of Medical Assistance, the Office of Long-Term Services and Supports, and other key partners. The project seeks to enhance and expand the quality and availability of lifespan respite services for all age groups via consumer and provider education and informational activities, volunteer and provider training, and resource development.
The NC Lifespan Respite Project has undertaken several related initiatives thus far. One primary goal of the Project has been to encourage organizations to involve volunteers in providing respite to caregivers of family members with special needs. Members of the Project's Advisory Team and the NC Respite Care Coalition have developed a helpful guide for this effort.
Volunteer Guide Now Available
Lifespan Respite - An Information Guide for Developing, Recruiting, Training and Retaining Volunteers is now available. (Print version) |
