About Delaware Lifespan Respite Care Network

Mission

To assure that children and adults with disabilities or special needs and their caregivers will have easy access to quality, affordable respite care.

Program Goals

To provide easy access to information about respite care services
To ensure an adequate supply of quality respite care services
To assist in making respite care services affordable

Services

For Families

Information about Respite Providers through website and 800 number

Financial Assistance Vouchers to pay for respite care

For Providers

Listing with RespiteOnline

For the Public

Advocacy

Usage

July – December 2009:

35 financial assistance applications were approved for $18,650, representing:
- 33 caregivers
- 40 care recipients, ranging from 5 months to 92 years of age
- 2,016.5 respite hours
198 RespiteOnline searches
38 Information & Referral cases

January – June 2010:

67 financial assistance applications were approved for $33,900, representing:
- 63 caregivers
- 70 care recipients, ranging from 8 months to 92 years of age
- 1,938.5 respite hours
194 RespiteOnline searches
44 Information & Referral cases

Respite – Parent/Child

Doreen’s now 16-year-old son Richard was diagnosed with developmental disabilities as an infant. At age four he was diagnosed with autism when he suddenly lost his verbal abilities. His behavior challenges his mother, and he requires constant attention. Although significant progress has been made through the efforts of his parents and the Delaware Autism Program, his needs have often strained the family’s bonds. Doreen was financially able to quit her job to care for Richard. In the process of advocating for her family’s needs, she has become a champion for respite care.

Center for Disabilities Studies (U of DE) staff for publication in the Delaware Caregivers Support Coalition final report on respite care in December, 2007.