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Caregiver Resources

Caregiver Resources

“There are four kinds of people in this world: those who have been caregivers, those who are currently caregivers, those who will be caregivers, and those who will need caregivers.” – First Lady Rosalynn Carter

Disclaimer: No endorsement is intended or made of any hypertext link, product, service, or information either by its inclusion or exclusion from this page or site. The resources we have provided are routinely confirmed for accessibility. However, this is NOT a respite registry. These resources have not been pre-screened for criminal history, verification of experience, or in any other way. By providing this information, it does not imply endorsement by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition, or any of its partners or affiliates. It is important as a caregiver to interview applicants and check all references prior to hiring. If you have any concerns after hire, take immediate action to protect yourself and/or your loved one. Agencies that recruit and hire respite providers must follow all legal requirements such as background clearances, employment, and tax laws (both federal and state). If you hire someone yourself, you must also follow these laws. To the full extent allowable under applicable law, the Arkansas Department of Human Services, Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition, for itself and on behalf of their partners, affiliates, and agents, assume no liability, and disclaim any and all liability, arising out of use of this site or the information contained on it.

Arkansas Lifespan Respite Voucher Program

NOW ACCEPTING RESPITE PROVIDER SUB-GRANT APPLICATIONS! As of November 15, 2021, DPSQA has released a Request for Application (RFA) opportunity through Arkansas DHS’s Office of Procurement for respite organizations within Arkansas to receive sub-grant awards for specialized respite programs and activities/events. The purpose of this sub-grant funding is to support and encourage the provision of services to additional family caregivers at no cost to the families involved through respite mini-grants. The ultimate goal is to generate actual respite for family caregivers and others providing informal care for someone of any age with a special need. This sub-grant funding is made available through the federal Lifespan Respite Grant- Integrity & Sustainability (#90LRLI0045) by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).

Applications for the Respite Provider Sub-Grants are due by Monday, November 29, 2021.

Arkansas Lifespan Respite Provider Registry/Locator

Needing respite but not sure where to find a respite provider/worker? To better assist family caregivers in finding qualified respite providers or independent respite workers, DHS has established an online, user-friendly search engine that provides a caregiver the capability to filter their search by provider name, payment type/method, ages served, or county.

Respite providers listed in the search may be an agency, other professional entity, or a self-employed/independent individual who has successfully completed either the Respite Care Provider Training or the REST Volunteer Respite Course through UAMS-Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Program. The search engine is not an exhaustive list with every respite provider in the state. While we strive to provide as much information as possible and as accurately as possible, it is up to the respite provider to request to be placed on the search engine for public access. Respite providers can submit their service information form directly from the search engine.

Caregiver and Volunteer Respite Training Information

DHS has partnered with the UAMS-Schmieding Home Caregiver Training Program to provide FREE respite training for volunteer respite providers, family caregivers, and community and faith-based groups (CEUs may be given to Nursing Home Administrators). CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD VOLUNTEER RESPITE TRAINING FLIER

To register for one of the training opportunities listed below, please contact the person below identified for your area: (Dates/Location subject to change)

Dates Coming Soon!

The Schmieding Home Care Training Program provides several other caregiver workshops, support groups, an online exercise programs for the community to access. Be sure to check out their program calendar in your area, available on their website.

Online Respite Care Provider Training

In October 2021, the Division of Provider Services and Quality Assurance (DPSQA) was selected to participate in a unique opportunity to create and implement a free, online training opportunity for individuals interested in providing respite care. In collaboration with 8 other states across the country, basic respite care training standards were developed. DPSQA, in partnership with the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition, then customized additional training modules specific to Arkansas law, regulations and programs.

The goal of the multi-state pilot project was to expand the pool of trained, qualified respite care providers in each state. This pilot project opportunity is provided by the ARCH National Respite Network, the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin and the National Academy for State Health Policy

National Resources and Tools for Caregivers:

Guidelines for Families on Receiving Respite Care Safely During the COVID-19 Pandemic (ENGLISH)

Recibiendo Respite Cuidado De Forma Segura Durante La Pandemia De COVID-19 (ESPAÑOL)

Exploring Respite Opportunities and Options

National Resource Organizations and Links:

ARCH National Respite Network
AARP
ALS Association- Respite Care
Alzheimer’s Association
American Psychological Association
Caregiver Action Network
Lifespan Respite Care Program
National Alliance for Caregiving
National Family Caregiver Support Program
Rosalynn Carter Institute for Caregiving
VA Caregiver Support