Intergenerational Programs
Respite Options for Relative Caregivers
Respite is a service that allows caregivers to get relief from ongoing responsibilities. Many caregivers are under a great deal of pressure to meet endless obligations, and it is easy for them to lose sight of the fact that they can give only as much as their own physical and mental health permits.
Respite care can provide older grandparents or relatives raising another's child with opportunities to do the things that they need or want to do. For example, respite care can give a caregiver the chance to go to a doctor's appointment, keep up friendships, attend community events, or just have some uninterrupted quiet time.
Children benefit from respite care, too. They look forward to getting a break, meeting new friends, and exploring different opportunities. Respite care can open new doors for them.
The Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD), through its intergenerational program, Joining Generations, provides a number of respite opportunities for grandparents and other relative caregivers in Delaware. DSAAPD works in coordination with community organizations to provide the following services: Grand Time Off; Summer Camp Respite, and School Holiday Camp Respite.
Grand Time Off
Grand Time Off is a respite program for eligible grandparents, aunts, and uncles that are raising other relatives’ children. The program offers childcare services for children age 17 and younger. It is available to caregivers who are 55 years of age or older and provide the majority of care for the child. Because of a separate funding source, the service can also be available for a limited number of eligible relative caregivers that are age 50 to 54.
If a relative caregiver thinks he or she may be eligible for the Grand Time Off program, they should contact The Family & Workplace Connection (F&WC) at (800) 537-5557. Once the F&WC counselors determine the caregiver’s eligibility, they will work with the caregiver by identifying participating providers in their area. They will also explain what the caregiver needs to look for in choosing a main childcare provider plus one or two backup providers.
In addition to the Grand Time Off program’s availability throughout the state, there are also some participating childcare providers that offer their services in the evening and at night. Besides these regular childcare providers, the caregiver has the option of choosing family members or friends to provide the service.
Caregivers are asked to contribute to the cost of the childcare so that the service can be expanded for additional caregivers to participate.
Summer Camp Respite
Summer Camp Respite is a partnership among the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD), the YMCA of Delaware, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Through this program, the YMCA and the Boys & Girls Clubs are offering their traditional summer day camp program for children who are being raised by relatives age 55 and older. Summer Camp Respite is offered by YMCA branches and Boys & Girls Clubs statewide.
Camp sessions are available for children ages 2-15 at the YMCA and for children ages 6 – 14 at the Boys & Girls Clubs. Some examples of possible include activities include swimming, nature exploration, arts and crafts, cookouts, sports and drama. Each camp offers different programs for different age groups. Before and after camp child care may also be available. There are significant discounts on the camp fees for grandparent caregivers, and donations are welcome as well.
Interested caregivers should contact the nearest YMCA or Boys & Girls Club for more information.School Holiday Camp Respite
School Holiday Camp Respite, like Summer Camp Respite, is provided as part of the partnership among DSAAPD, the YMCA of Delaware, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Delaware. Through this program, these youth organizations are offering their holiday camp program for children who are being raised by relatives age 55 and older. School Holiday Camp Respite is offered by various YMCA branches and Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Delaware.
Camp sessions are available for school age children from 1st to 6th grade in the YMCA program. For the Boys & Girls Clubs School Holiday Camp Respite, participants must be between 6 and 19 years of age. They must also be in school. This program allows youth to get out of the house during school holidays and gives caregivers a much-needed break.
Interested caregivers should contact the nearest YMCA or Boys & Girls Club for more information.Additional Information
The programs described here are funded by the Older Americans Act through the National Family Caregiver Support Program (administered by the U.S. Administration on Aging). For additional information about these respite programs, contact DSAAPD via our toll free program contact information line.
