Family Caregiver Respite Fund

What this is all about

Family caregivers provide the majority of long-term care in the United States. We are in awe of the selfless care and sacrifices of countless daughters, sons, husbands, wives, grandchildren, and nieces & nephews here in Kansas City. We know that they make the world go ‘round… and we believe that family caregivers need a break.

Sandwiched KC has received funds to help family caregivers take a needed break from caring for their loved ones.

Why we’re doing it

Family caregivers are often isolated and lack resources and support to plan and execute meaningful short breaks. By offering small vouchers and coaching to plan meaningful respite (when needed), we hope to help local family caregivers achieve better physical and mental health outcomes and enhance their capacity to keep their loved ones at home. 

The Nitty Gritty (How it Works)

Family caregivers may submit an application online at sandwichedkc.com or request an application for the service directly from Sandwiched KC.  The family or caregiver will receive a liability document which should be read and signed.

When the application and liability form are received by Sandwiched KC, they will be reviewed for consideration.

Upon approval, the primary caregiver/guardian will receive a respite voucher, identifying the amount authorized. Services will not be reimbursed prior to authorization date.

Respite may occur based upon the frequency the primary caregivers/care partners deems necessary. However, any respite dollars not utilized by the end of the plan year will not accrue to the next plan year. The maximum annual assistance for each eligible caregiver is $500. There are no exceptions. 

This is not an ongoing service. There is no guarantee of future funding. If funds are available, an application renewal will need to be completed yearly. There is no guarantee your application will be accepted and request for a voucher granted. 

Respite Provider Eligibility

The person providing your respite must: 

• Be 18 years or older with a valid state-issued ID or driver’s license. 
• NOT be living in the same home as the care recipient;
• NOT be the primary caregiver, parent, or stepparent regardless of where they live; and
• NOT be a member of the Sandwiched KC Board of Directors.

Primary caregivers/care partners are responsible for selecting the respite provider, providing training on the specific needs of the individual and maintaining supervision of the respite provider. This includes CPR and First Aid, medication administration, and/or behavioral intervention techniques. All fees related to training are the responsibility of the primary caregiver/care partners or respite provider. It is the responsibility of the primary caregivers/care partners to ensure their provider(s) maintains any training and/or certifications they have determined necessary for the care of the person served.

Payment for services will be processed upon receipt of a properly completed respite voucher received from the primary caregiver/care partners. The primary caregivers/care partners are responsible for scheduling within their authorized voucher amount. Sandwiched KC will provide the voucher form to each approved participant.

The vouchers must identify date, rate of pay, hours worked and total paid to that worker. It will also require the workers signature on the voucher, confirming that they have provided the service. The caregiver will need to sign the voucher verifying that all the information provided is true and accurate.

The hourly payment to the respite provider should be negotiated between the primary primary caregivers/care partners and the respite worker. However, the minimum hourly payment to be paid to the respite provider is $20.00.

Reimbursement to the primary caregivers/guardians will be mailed to the address on the voucher. Sandwiched KC shall maintain records for each program recipient, including documentation of services provided, picture ID and signatures. A new respite voucher indicating the amount remaining will be sent with each check for reimbursement. When the amount authorized has been utilized, no more vouchers will be sent out. Requests for reimbursement more than the amount authorized shall not be paid.

It is the responsibility of the primary caregiver to provide a copy of the photo ID for each person providing the service, in addition to their signature. A signature and picture identification of the provider(s) of service must be on record to receive reimbursement. It is the responsibility of the caregiver to ensure that required documentation is current and correct.

Disclaimer: This is not an ongoing service. There is no guarantee of future funding. If funds are available, an application renewal will need to be completed yearly. There is no guarantee your application will be accepted and request will be granted.