For Wisconsin Families
Every day more than half-a million people across Wisconsin wake to the responsibility of caring for a person with a disability or special need such as chronic or terminal illness. Each day family caregivers handle feeding tubes, catheters, personal hygiene care (bathing, dressing, brushing teeth), and dispense medications for someone other than themselves. Imagine these tasks must be done before leaving for work, then repeating much of this care – perhaps more than once- upon return. Now, overlay this responsibility with the functions of managing a typical household – grocery shopping, cooking, house cleaning, laundry and paying bills and the stress that accompanies family caregiving becomes clear.
Universally recognized as the backbone of the nations long-term care system, family caregivers often times find themselves in the role without adequate preparation or support system. This responsibility takes a toll on the emotional and physical health of the caregiver.
Respite, the temporary relief for caregivers either on a planned or emergency basis, is one of the most-requested caregiver support services. And because caregiving is not restricted, Lifespan Respite Care programs provide services regardless of age, gender, disability, or other characteristic.
For close to twenty years RCAW has been providing assistance and information about respite care to people and programs across the Badger State. RCAW works collaboratively with a host of local, state and federal agencies and organizations to ensure unfettered access to quality respite care.
Related Documents:
Building a Respite Cooperative