New program offers no-cost respite to veteran caregivers

A new program from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs is providing no-cost, short-term relief to family caregivers of veterans thanks to a $1 million donation from CareLinx and parent company Generali.

The “Respite Relief for Military and Veteran Caregivers” will provide more than 40,000 hours of non-medical home care for more than 1,600 caregivers and their wounded, ill, or injured with the help of CareLinx’s in-home care professionals.

AARP also has joined the initiative to help raise awareness about the program among military and veteran caregivers in regions across the U.S.

The program’s arrival comes as veteran caregivers face many challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, including isolation, mental health, financial struggles, and the delivery of groceries, medical supplies and other essentials.

“Since the foundation first began its work, we have seen the desperate need for short-term relief among veteran caregivers. The lack of affordable, convenient professional respite care takes a significant toll on the emotional and physical well-being of these hidden heroes, and the limitations created by the COVID-19 pandemic have further reduced their respite options,” Steve Schwab, CEO of the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, said in a statement.

In an April 2020 survey of 1,000 military caregivers nationwide, 77% of respondents said the pandemic has negatively impacted wounded warrior care recipients. Fifty-six percent also reported lower caregiver effectiveness. Nearly 90% of the survey participants care for a spouse, with almost two-thirds of care recipients suffering from a combination of visible and invisible wounds.

“Caregivers charged with caring for our nation’s veterans face new challenges during the pandemic. They are becoming increasingly isolated and are hindered from getting reliable outside help,” said the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie in a release. “This compassionate and thoughtful program will give them some much-needed relief during this stressful time.”

According to the Elizabeth Dole Foundation, respite care has consistently ranked as the top need for family caregivers in surveys commissioned before COVID-19. Although about a quarter of military caregivers use respite care, the foundation identified just nine organizations that offer such assistance.

Program eligibility

Eligible caregivers in select regions in California, Florida, and Texas can apply for services at this time. The foundation does plan to expand the program to other areas of the U.S. later this year. The following requirements must be met for caregivers to qualify for the respite program:

1. You must be a family caregiver to a wounded, ill, or injured veteran or service member (and submit proof of service).
2. Requested relief support includes one of the following: companionship, light housekeeping, grocery shopping and meal preparation, transportation, mobility support/transferring, exercise, toileting, bathing, dressing and grooming. If you and your care recipient need more assistance, such as assistance with administering medications, in-home physical therapy, or any other type of specialized medical care, you will not be eligible for this service at this time.
3. The military/veteran family must seek respite care relief in Florida, California, and Texas (and only in those zip codes with available services).

For more information, contact RespiteRelief@elizabethdolefoundation.org.

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