Voucher Helps Virginia Families Care For Members With Disabilities

Beginning this week through the end of July, Virginia caregivers can apply to the Lifespan Respite Voucher Program and receive up to $400 in reimbursement for respite care through a federal grant.

Norma Draper of Hopewell knows just what this can mean. She's the full-time caregiver for her 27-year-old grandson, who has significant disabilities.

"You can actually get burned out by having respite. If you need to go to any kind of meetings... or training... and when I need care for that, that's my respite care," she says."

The federal grant totals just under $180,000, but Ellen Nau with the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, says that could still help nearly 450 families.

"They can get a break to lower their stress level, and to be able to carry on with their caregiving duties.

Nau says the initiative is part of the effort to support a statewide network of coordinated caregiver respite services.

Finding the extra care provider is up to the family. They may consider in home care, a child or adult care center, or assisted living or nursing home respite programs.