Who cares for the Caregiver?

Balancing the demands of a military career and family life is challenging enough. But if anyone in your household has special needs that require extended caregiving, the additional stress and workload can be overwhelming.

If you are in this situation, the natural tendency is to devote all your time and energy to personally provide the best level of care possible. However, very quickly, emotional stress and physical exhaustion can not only reduce the effectiveness of your caregiving but also have a negative effect on every other aspect of your life.

Recognizing this problem, the DoD's Exceptional Family Member Support Program is providing resources to help military families find Respite Care Services to give family caregivers time for themselves to go to an appointment, run errands, or simply have time for yourself.

Choosing the best respite care for your unique needs

If you feel that respite care might benefit you and your special needs family member, begin by exploring all the various options for respite care and decide which scenario will work best for both of you. The first thing to consider is how often and how long your respite care help will be needed. This can range anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. Respite care can be arranged daily, weekly, or as needed. The next thing to consider is where the care for your special needs family member will be provided

· In your home - through an agency or a caregiver you find and train yourself. This approach has the advantage that everything your family member needs is already there. You also don't need to worry about transportation.
· In the caregiver's home - it may be easier to find a caregiver if they can work at their home. It may also allow you to stay at your home during your time off from your caregiving responsibilities.
· In a facility - a hospital or residential facility may have equipment and staff suited to the specialized needs of your family member.
· At an adult day center, school, camp, faith-based, or volunteer agency - these types of programs and services can offer your loved one more stimulation by exposing them to new people, experiences, and surroundings.

Finding Respite Care A good place to start is at Military OneSource.
They have an excellent portal for respite care resources. (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/support-for-families/respite-care-special-needs-families/)

Some of the resources listed include:
· Child Care Aware (https://www.childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite/exceptional-family-member-program-efmp-respite-care/) - This organization has partnered with the military services to provide respite care to families with children up to the age of 18 who have special needs and are enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program.
· Your state’s Lifespan Respite Program, if available (https://archrespite.org/lifespan-programs). Lifespan Respite Programs are run by state agencies to provide community-based respite for family caregivers.
· The National Respite Locator. (https://archrespite.org/respitelocator/respite-locator-service-state-information-map) This online tool can link you to information on respite funding and caregiver supports in your state.
· State Respite Coalitions. (https://archrespite.org/state-respite-coalitions) These membership organizations represent people with disabilities. Some of these organizations provide training and respite vouchers.

Funding for Respite Care You may find help paying for respite care by exploring what is offered from the following resources:
· Child Care Aware provides respite care to children of eligible military families enrolled in EFMP.
· TRICARE Extended Care Health Option (https://www.tricare.mil/Plans/SpecialPrograms/ECHO/EHHC) offers a respite care benefit to eligible military families.
· Medicaid waivers (https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/special-needs/support-for-families/medicaid-waivers-for-military-families/) cover the cost of respite care if your family member qualifies. Check with your state’s Medicaid office to learn more. Find the Help You Need

Your installation’s Exceptional Family Member Family Support can help you with many aspects of caring for a family member with special needs, including navigating respite care. You can also schedule a special needs consultation 24/7 by calling [login to see] or through live chat. If you’re overseas, view international calling options.

Find the help you need.