South Carolina Respite Coalition

Programs: The general assembly of sc approved respite voucher funding and our organization receives a portion of those funds through the lt. Governor's office on aging. We have an application process and distribute funds to family caregivers of all ages across sc who are caring for a family member of any age and any disability or special need. Voucher funds enable them to hire someone to stay with their loved one while they take a break. Approved applicants are authorized to spend up to $500 over a 90 day period and request reimbursement from the state voucher funds allocated to our organization. If they hire an agency to provide the care for their loved one, the agency bills us directly until their voucher has been exhausted.

the sc department of disabilities and special needs (ddsn) contracts with our organization to oversee the screening and training required by medicaid when a respite caregiver is paid from medicaid monies for providing respite as a medicaid waiver service. We direct the initial screening/training process when a family selects an individual to become their respite care provider and their household employee. In subsequent years, we notify the employer and the employee when annual training or screenings are due and maintain a current file for the respite caregiver as long as they are employed by the family.

when a family has a member with a disability or special need who requires 24/7 care, we educate the primary family caregiver about the necessity of self-care and how the formation of a "circle of support" will enable them to have regular time off, aka respite. Sometimes the "circle of support" is other family members, friends, and neighbors, but they might also choose a homecare agency or a day program to care for their loved one while they take a break. We also reach out to faith communities and volunteer organizations and educate them about the need for respite caregivers. Day programs for children and adults with special needs are in great demand and we assist in setting up such programs across south carolina. We continually update our respite resources list and refer family caregivers to respite programs, funding, and services in their area. Our ultimate goal is to establish a state wide network of respite services which all family caregivers may easily access.