What is respite?
Respite is time for you – the caregiver – to take a break while someone else cares for your loved one.
How you spend that time is up to you. Respite can be whatever helps you to rest, recharge, connect with others, or simply do something for yourself. Some examples of respite include:
- Taking a walk in the park alone
- Attending a twice-weekly yoga class
- Rejoining the church choir
- Spending a weekend away with friends
Find what works for YOU! Need help planning or using your respite time? Contact our office at resources@esdel.org or 302-221-2291 and speak with one of our staff. You can also use this form to help plan your respite time .
Moments of Rest grant program
If you are a senior, or caring for a senior, or are a non-parent relative raising children under 18, you may be eligible for Easterseals Moments of Rest grant program. This program is partially funded by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities through the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Title III-E of the Older Americans Act. One of the following requirements must be met:
- You are caring for someone 60 years of age or older OR
- You are caring for someone with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder OR
- You are 55 years of age or older
Additionally, applicants and their loved ones must be Delaware residents and not receive respite funding through any other state source.
All applications are processed in the order that they are received until funding is fully obligated. New this year: To encourage caregivers to take small breaks throughout the year, if the initial grant award of $500 is used within the allocated time frame, caregivers may then apply for a second award of up to $500 if the funds are available.
Contact Easterseals Caregiver Support Program at 302-221-2291 or resources@esdel.org with questions or to apply over the phone.
Caregiver Support Fund
This program provides funding for non-traditional types of respite that support caregivers at home. See this list for eligible supports and services. Caregivers may receive a one-time grant up to $500 to pay for eligible respite supports or services. Funds are provided as a cost reimbursement program - so please do not purchase any supports or services until you have completed an application and received written approval from Easterseals.
If you are not eligible for these respite programs but would like one of our case managers to contact you, please complete the Caregiver Information Form.
Contact Easterseals Caregiver Support Program at 302-221-2291 or resources@esdel.org with questions or to apply over the phone.
