Respite (RESS’-pit): Respite is temporary or short break for caregivers through planned or emergency services that provide a caregiver of a child or adult with a special need some time away from caregiver responsibilities for that child or adult, and which result in some measurable improvement in the well-being of the caregiver, care receiver, and/or family system.
LIFESPAN RESPITE AWARENESS MONTH- NOVEMBER 2022
Click here to see Governor Asa Hutchinson’s Proclamation
Click here to view the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Infographic
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Click here to view the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Newsletters
Do you know an individual or organization that makes a difference in the lives of caregivers? Nominations are now open for the 2023 Arkansas Caregiver and Respite Recognition Awards. See our Caregiver Recognition page for more details.
The History of Arkansas “Take the Time” Lifespan Respite Project
In 2013, DHS and other respite community providers and advocates across the state began meeting to form the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition. A respite summit was held that year bringing together stakeholders statewide who were interested in improving respite services in Arkansas and began seeking out funding opportunities.
In 2014, the State of Arkansas’ Department of Human Services was awarded its first federal Lifespan Respite Grant, titled Arkansas “Take the Time” Lifespan Respite Project. This grant was provided by the HHS- Administration for Community Living under Title XXIX of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C 201). Lifespan Respite Care Programs are required to improve delivery and quality of respite services available through the following objectives:
- Expand and enhance respite services in the state;
- Improve coordination and dissemination of respite services;
- Streamline access to programs;
- Fill gaps in service where necessary; and
- Improve the overall quality of respite services currently available.
Arkansas DHS was awarded a second grant to continue advancing our respite goals and objectives in 2018-2021. Additional supplemental funding was also received in 2019 to enhance respite services through the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Voucher Program.
As of July 1, 2021, Arkansas DHS received its third federal grant from the Administration for Community Living to continue to enhance respite services and supports within the state.
Through our current grant funding, the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Project has been working towards the following key goals and objectives:
- Implement a robust centralized Arkansas Lifespan Respite Locator;
- Implement by-laws and restructuring the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition;
- Update statewide caregiving data;
- Continue to identify underserved populations;
- Increase opportunity for caregiver input and feedback;
- Launch large-scale informational and educational outreach (particularly to the underserved); and
- Continue direct service opportunities and training events
To view the federal reports submitted on grant activities, click here.
The purpose of the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition (ALRC) is not to act in the role of a direct service provider, but to build a statewide system to identify and coordinate respite care options for families regardless or age, special need, or other characteristics of the person needing care. The Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance within the Arkansas Department of Human Services serves as the central point of contact for the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Project across the state.
The Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition’s goal is to improve the awareness and access of respite information and services available to families across age and disability spectrums by expanding and coordinating existing respite systems in Arkansas. The coalition partners with the Department of Human Services-Arkansas “Take the Time” Lifespan Respite program. To learn more about the program, download the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Brochure.
If you are interested in joining the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition, please download and complete the following Membership Form and submit per instructions on the form- Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition Membership Form
Current Coalition Members:
Acti-Kare Responsive In-Home Care of Beebe
The ALS Association Arkansas Chapter
Alzheimer’s Association, Arkansas Chapter
Area Agency on Aging of Northwest Arkansas
Area Agency on Aging of Southeast Arkansas
Arkansas Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities
Arkansas State Independent Living Council
Central Arkansas Disability Services
Department of Human Services- Division of Developmental Disabilities Services
Department of Human Services- Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance
Department of Workforce Solutions
East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging
The Frank and Barbara Broyles Foundation
M-Pacting Youth and Families, Inc.
Partners for Inclusive Communities
Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church
University of Central Arkansas- Outreach & Community Engagement
University of Arkansas Medical Sciences- Institute for Digital Health and Innovation
