You Need a Break! Respite Care May 2020 Update

Caring for our seniors is perhaps the greatest responsibility we have. Those who walked before us have given so much and made possible the life we all enjoy."
- Senator John Hoeven 

You Need A Break -- What is Respite Care? 

Family caregiving can be overwhelming. For many people, caregiving is a 24/7 job. You put a lot of time and energy into caring for your family member, but also need a break. You might feel guilty for taking time for yourself, but taking a break is a necessity, not a luxury.

Respite care is a break from caregiving. Someone cares for your family member while you take time for yourself. Some people might think respite care is unaffordable, but there are free services to relieve family caregivers, even during COVID-19. 

In this month's update, we are highlighting free respite care services from N4 and Seniors in Service. Please read on to find out more. 

Seniors in Service

If you are a caregiver in need of a break, the Seniors in Service Respite Program seeks to provide much-needed caregiver support in the form of personal time.

 The Seniors in Service Respite Program provides qualifying individuals with vouchers for $1000..

These funds are to be used to pay for in-person care so caregivers can be assured that their loved ones are being taken care of while allowing time for their personal needs.

To qualify:

• Care Recipient must be 60 years or older
• Caregivers must live at the same address

. To get the respite care voucher:

• Click here to download and print the application.
• You can also call Seniors in Service at 775-358-3914.

After completing the application, you can email, fax, or mail it:

• Email Barbara at barbara@seniorsinservicenevada.org 
• Fax your application to 775-358-3633.
• Mail - Seniors in Service, 1380 Greg Street, Suite 212, Sparks, NV 89431

N4's Community Care 

N4's Community Care provides in-home and community-focused services using a person-centered approach to care planning that respects the person's and their family member's priorities, preferences, and perspectives.

Families typically receive 5 hours of respite care per week and at least 5 hours of case management per month. 

Families may request additional hours as needed. Additional hours are also available! There is emergency grant funding to provide additional assistance due to COVID-19. Because N4 intends to fill important service gaps, there are no income or age restrictions other than direct care services to people 18 and up.

There are 70 available spots for the respite program. 

To receive support: 

• Complete the online interest form by clicking here. 
• You can also call N4 at 775-453 or send an email to people@neighbornv.org. 

Once an N4 team member has received an online interest form from someone needing support, an initial interview (virtually or in-person) is scheduled.

Opportunity Alliance Nevada -  Volunteer Financial Navigators

Volunteer Financial Navigators are a free, one-on-one, virtual support service using knowledgeable volunteers. They are not licensed professionals, but caring neighbors with backgrounds that can work with you to help with your financial needs. Some families may qualify for a  $500 assistance voucher. 

Click here to learn more.

COVID-19 Resources for Seniors 

Please visit  https://washoecaregivers.org/covid-19/  for information for family caregivers and seniors related to COVID-19.

We will get through this together

Thank you for your involvement in the Caregiver Support Initiative. We are working to keep connections close while community members physically distance.