For Immediate Release:
July 14, 2021

Media Contacts
Amy Webb, Chief of Communications
[email protected]

Gavin Lesnick, Deputy Chief of Communications
[email protected]

Arkansas Lifespan Respite Summit planned for later this month

Virtual event centered on breaks for caregivers  

(LITTLE ROCK, Ark.) — A three-day virtual event set for the end of this month will focus on Lifespan Respite Care, an important support service aimed at providing a short-term break for primary caregivers. This break results in some measurable improvement in the well-being of the caregiver, which in turn benefits the person they are caring for.

The 2021 Arkansas Lifespan Respite Summit will be held July 27-29th with sessions offering resources, educational and informational materials, and community networking opportunities for caregivers and providers across the state. 

Topics to be covered include understanding what respite is, providing respite in creative and innovative ways, working with emergency services, dealing with COVID-19, following self-care techniques, finding resources, and many more.

The summit is free, but you must register in advance for each day you wish to participate. Click here to register now.

If you’re interested but can’t attend during the event, you should still register. The sessions and materials will be accessible for three months after the event for anyone who registers.

The Arkansas Department of Human Services, in partnership with the Arkansas Lifespan Respite Coalition, are working toward establishing and building a statewide system identifying and coordinating respite care options for families regardless of age, special need, or other characteristics of the person needing care. 

DHS currently has a federal grant awarded through HHS-Administration for Community Living allowing funding opportunities for volunteer respite trainings and individual respite services through a voucher program. These services are to assist in filling the gaps in current service plans and for those who may not fit into service categories but still need assistance.

More information about the program and the summit is available at ar.gov/arlifespanrespite.

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