The SWODA Area Agency on Aging provides respite services for eligible caregivers in partnership with the Department of Human Service Aging Services Division. The definition of caregivers is “people of any age caring for someone 60 years of age or older with at least two of these Activities of Daily Living (ADL’s) impairments (dressing, bathing, eating, transferring, toileting, or walking) and/ or requiring substantial assistance because of a cognitive or other mental impairment.”
There is an application process and if a caregiver qualifies, a home visit is required. After the O3A assessment is completed on caregiver and care receiver, then vouchers are provided. The caregiver can then contract with any person of their choice (other than someone living in the same home of caregiver or care receiver or under 18 years old) to provide respite services. There are no income or resource limitations.
Studies have shown that caregivers will give better care, maintain their own health, and have reduced levels of stress if they can get away from the responsibilities of providing care even if for only a few hours. Respite does just that. It provides a way for a caregiver to get out of the everyday routine of caring for their loved one. For example, a caregiver has the option of using respite services to go to a doctor’s appointment, get their hair done, visit friends at a coffee shop or even go to a movie.
If you or someone you know is interested in the Caregiver Respite Voucher Program, please contact Joanie Swanson, caregiver coordinator with SWODA Area Agency on Aging, at 580/562-5026 or e-mail Joanie Swanson at joanie@swoda.org.