Caregiver Respite
The Caregiver Respite Program
Help provided by unpaid family and friends is often the reason that people with conditions that cause dementia can continue to live at home. Although there are many rewards, these family caregivers can become stressed, and even exhausted, over time. Respite, the opportunity to take a break and have someone else provide the care, is vital to caregiver wellbeing.
The Caregiver Respite Program supports family caregivers by reimbursing some of the costs of having someone else provide care for the person with dementia. This care might take place in the home, at an adult day program, or overnight in a facility (on a limited basis). Respite care is arranged by the caregiver and may be provided by another family member, friend, neighbor, private provider, or someone from a home care agency, or at an adult day program. Respite care enables caregivers the opportunity to take time for themselves, to do what they enjoy or need to do. This program also offers caregivers information and emotional support.
Program Coverage
The Caregiver Respite Program can:
Help provided by unpaid family and friends is often the reason that people with conditions that cause dementia can continue to live at home. Although there are many rewards, these family caregivers can become stressed, and even exhausted, over time. Respite, the opportunity to take a break and have someone else provide the care, is vital to caregiver wellbeing.
The Caregiver Respite Program supports family caregivers by reimbursing some of the costs of having someone else provide care for the person with dementia. This care might take place in the home, at an adult day program, or overnight in a facility (on a limited basis). Respite care is arranged by the caregiver and may be provided by another family member, friend, neighbor, private provider, or someone from a home care agency, or at an adult day program. Respite care enables caregivers the opportunity to take time for themselves, to do what they enjoy or need to do. This program also offers caregivers information and emotional support.
Program Coverage
The Caregiver Respite Program can:
- Help with the cost of in-home care, adult day care, and/or up to two weeks of overnight care in a facility at a maximum one-year cost up to $3,800
- Can reimburse for home modifications needed to promote independent living (up to $2,000 lifetime) with prior approval from the Program Coordinator
- Written diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease/dementia from a physician.
- Liquid assets not to exceed $50,000 for one person, or $75,000 for a couple.
- Required to pay 20% cost of service and, if unable to afford to make the co-payment, waiver can be granted if you meet state requirement for granting a waiver.
- Not eligible for or receiving assistance from any other state subsidized programs.
- Care recipient must be at least 18 years old and a Maine resident.