Lifespan grant information

The goal of the Wisconsin Lifespan Respite Care Project is to expand the availability and accessibility of respite services in Wisconsin.

Through a unique collaboration between.

*       State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services/Division of Long-Term Care
*       Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW)
*       Easter Seals Wisconsin (ESW)
*       Wisconsin Quality Home Care Commission (WQHCC)

Federal Lifespan Respite Care Project funds Project #90LR0022/01 will support the following objectives during the three-year grant period, 2010-13:

1. Modify ESW Caring Network curriculum to become a base-level Respite Provider Training that meets the needs of people with special needs across the lifespan, including those with challenging behaviors andAlzheimer's/Dementia

2. Deliver Caring Network Respite Provider Training in six regions ofWisconsin

3. Deliver half-day Training Workshops in six regions statewide for respite providers to learn best practices in caring for a variety of special needs groups

4. Develop and implement a statewide Public Awareness Campaign on availability of respite care and the need for respite providers

5. Expand statewide Care Registry referral database and matching service to include respite care workers who have completed Respite Provider Training.


The following products will be created as a result of these activities:

(1) Publication of a comprehensive, base-level Respite Provider Training curriculum to include a 6-hour module on managing challenging behaviors.

(2) Creation of a statewide home and respite care worker registry and matching service.

(3) 200 new respite care providers entered into Care Registry.

(4) Creation of a statewide Public Awareness Campaign.

(5) Public Awareness materials, e.g. print, web-based, video



The Lifespan Respite Care Project has as its goal the following outcomes:

1. Trained respite providers will demonstrate knowledge and skills to provide care for people with special needs across the lifespan

2. Families and caregivers will have more direct access to respite services in their community.