Lifespan Respite Care Program to be implemented

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Recognizing the daily sacrifices and challenges faced by family caregivers across the nation who work tirelessly to keep their loved ones at home, Kathy Greenlee, assistant secretary for aging, Department of Health and Human Services, announced on Thursday, Sept. 24, 12 awards totaling nearly $2.3 million to implement the Lifespan Respite Care Program. The announcement was made by Assistant Secretary Greenlee during the opening session of the 2009 National Respite Conference being held Sept. 24-25, 2009 in Burbank, Calif.

One of the 12 recipients is the Illinois Department on Aging in conjunction with the Illinois Respite Coalition (IRC). Geneva-based Marklund is the fiscal agent for the IRC.

The grantees will develop and enhance coordinated, accessible, community-based respite care programs for caregivers across the lifespan.

The primary purpose of respite care is to give families and caregivers relief from the extraordinary and intensive demands of providing ongoing care. Respite strengthens the ability of families and caregivers to continue to provide care in the home. Occasional relief helps family stability and well-being.

“This is a huge opportunity for Illinois to collaborate with state and private agencies on such a passionate mission serving one goal, which is relief for caregivers. Together, we will focus on stabilizing families in Illinois,” states Lois Sheaffer-Kramer, CTRS, NHA, director of children’s services at Marklund and president of the Illinois Respite Coalition. “We cannot thank Senator Dick Durbin enough for being a national champion for Lifespan Respite Care. Sen. Durbin, along with the Illinois Department on Aging, was instrumental in coordinating services to make this dream a reality. Thanks to their efforts, the entire state of Illinois wins.”

Funding was made possible through the enactment of the Lifespan Respite Care Act of 2006 which defines respite care as “planned or emergency care provided to a child or adult with a special need in order to provide temporary relief to the family caregiver of that child or adult.”

The Lifespan Respite Care Program is intended to accomplish several objectives, including expanding and enhancing respite services in the states, improving coordination and dissemination of service delivery, improving access and filling gaps in service delivery, and improving overall quality of respite services currently available.

For more information about the Illinois Lifespan Respite Care Program, please contact Julie Pandya, Illinois Statewide Respite Care Coordinator, at juliepandya@marklund.org.

About the Illinois Respite Coalition

The Illinois Respite Coalition is a network of caregivers and providers collaborating to develop and implement community-based lifespan respite care networks, helping families and caregivers locate respite care services in their own communities.

Respite care is temporary, short-term care for individuals with special needs, such as developmental and physical disabilities, emotional and behavioral disorders, chronic illnesses, Alzheimer’s disease and related health concerns, medical fragility, and those at risk of abuse and neglect.

For more information about the Illinois Respite Coalition, call Julie Pandya at 630-529-2871 ext. 3242.

About Marklund

Founded in 1954, Marklund enriches the lives of those with special healthcare needs by honoring the unique purpose of each individual. Those served are able to enjoy a full and meaningful life supported by a compassionate nurturing environment; a strong partnership with the community; and an unmatched dedication to personal growth. Marklund’s vision: Rising above limitations.

Marklund’s community-based programs are designed to assist families in meeting the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities. Programs include early intervention for infants and toddlers age 0-3, school education for children age 3-22, developmental training for adults over age 22, and lifespan respite care.

For more information about Marklund, call Vicki Krystof at 630-593-5482.