History of Delaware Lifespan Respite Care Network
History
Listed below are key events since 2003 that have been instrumental in highlighting the issue of respite in the state of Delaware.
Publication of Report on Respite
The initial event that sparked interest in respite was the publication of a report by the Center for Disabilities Studies (CDS) at the University of Delaware (Respite Care Coalition, Fall, 2003). The report, Respite Care in Delaware: A Critical Need for Change, (PDF) identified the need to coordinate respite services throughout the state.
Development of Coalition
Under the leadership of Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland's Eastern Shore, a group of 25 members representing consumers, service providers, and state entities established the Delaware Caregivers Support Coalition. The group met for two years, surveyed both caregivers and providers, and published a Final Report (PDF) with recommendations in October, 2005.
Conference on Respite Care
In October, 2005, Delaware’s Coordinating Council for Children with Disabilities sponsored a day-long conference, Exploring Respite Care in Delaware (PDF). The key note speaker was a Nebraska legislator who described his state’s lifespan respite initiative including legislation and funding.
Grant for Respite Database
Delaware’s Developmental Disabilities Council provided a $15,000 grant allowing Family & Workplace Connection (FWC), now a division of Children & Families First, to develop a database of respite care providers called RespiteOnline The database was available by fall, 2007 for use by the general public. It is currently receiving funding from the Delaware Lifespan Respite Care Network to assure that a comprehensive database is available for use by both the public and professionals.
Governor’s Commission Grant
In 2005, the Center for Disabilities Studies received a $50,000 grant from the Governor’s Commission on Community-Based Alternatives for Individuals with Disabilities. The purpose of the grant was to develop an operational plan for a state-wide system of lifespan respite care to address issues of access and affordability of quality respite services. CDS worked with the Delaware Caregivers Support Coalition to provide input and assist in developing the plan. A Final Report (PDF) was presented to the commission in December, 2007.
Foundation Funding
The operational plan developed through the Commission’s grant allowed coalition members to submit proposals to several Delaware Foundations to fund the plan. The Coalition also identified Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore as the lead organization through which funding would flow. In December, 2008, the Network received substantial grants from the Delaware Community Foundation, the Longwood Foundation, and the Welfare Foundation.
Network Launched
The Delaware Lifespan Respite Care Network became operational in January 2009. It is housed at Easter Seals Delaware & Maryland’s Eastern Shore, and is overseen by an Advisory Committee (PDF) which is comprised of representative consumers, respite providers, and state agencies. In addition, other interested parties stay involved as Coalition members. July 2009 marked the launch of this website as well as the Network’s services to help Delaware families find and pay for respite care. In October 2009, the Delaware Lifespan Respite Care Network presented a progress report (PDF) to the Delaware Community Foundation. In the first six months of the Network’s operation, approximately 200 online respite care searches were conducted, nearly 40 information & referral cases were handled, and 35 financial assistance applications were approved for $18,650.
Summit
On March 18, 2010, the Delaware Caregivers Support Coalition hosted the Delaware Lifespan Respite Summit (PDF) held at Easter Seals’ Delaware headquarters in New Castle. Delaware was one of four states selected by the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center to receive support to hold a lifespan respite summit. The event convened various stakeholders around the issue of respite care for family caregivers. The Summit’s purpose was to continue increasing awareness of respite as a need for caregivers, and to position Delaware to receive funding from the federal Lifespan Respite Program.
Current Status
July 1, 2010 marked the first anniversary of the launch of the Network's services. Read the news release.
Now in its second year of operation, the Delaware Lifespan Respite Care Network continues to help Delaware families find and pay for respite care. Usage continues to grow. A Sustainability Subcommittee has developed a plan for ongoing fundraising activities, and an Outreach Subcommittee has developed a plan (PDF) to continue to publicize the Network and educate and engage constituents.
