Jewish Family and Career Services (JFCS) Respite Voucher Program
What is the Respite Voucher Program?
The Respite Voucher program provides respite service for family caregivers who provide care for their loved ones so that they may continue to live independently. “Respite” refers to services that offer caregivers a temporary break in the care they provide. Program support includes vouchers for services including bathing, dressing, companion services, adult daycare, grooming, laundry, and light housework.
Who is eligible for the Respite Voucher Program?
- Adult family members or other informal caregivers (unpaid, non-agency staff) age 18 and older providing care to individuals 60 years of age and older
- Adult family members or other informal caregivers (unpaid, non-agency staff) age 18 and older providing care to individuals of any age with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders
- Older relatives, including parents, age 55 and older providing care to adults ages 18-59 with disabilities
- Both Caregiver and Care Recipient must reside in the 10-County Metro Atlanta Region (Dekalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Cobb, Clayton, Henry, Rockdale, Cherokee, Douglas, Fayette)
- The Care recipient IS NOT enrolled in a Medicaid waiver program (GA's Elderly & Disabled Medicaid Waiver Program: CCSP or SOURCE)
- The Care Receiver DOES NOT reside in one of the following settings: personal care home, assisted living community, memory care community, continuum of care retirement community (CCRC), short-term rehab, skilled nursing facility/nursing home
JFCS Respite Voucher Program FAQ
Q: What Services can the vouchers be used for?
A: In-home care provided by a trained professional OR Adult day care
Q: How long is the voucher valid?
Vouchers typically expire within 8-10 weeks from date of issuance
A: How many hours are estimated for individuals receiving the respite voucher?
Each individual will receive between 50 – 70 hours depending on the amount of hours (units) we have remaining
Q: Is it a certain number of hours each week over an 8 -10-week period?
A: There is not a certain amount of each week. We do like to be around 8-12 hours each week.
Q: Can someone use all of their hours at one time?
A: If they would like. As along as all hours are used by the deadline date placed on the agreement sent over to the agency. Each caregiver will receive a copy of the vendor agreement (where hours and information are located for the vendor).
Q: Does everyone get the same hours?
A: Hours may vary depending on level of need and how many units/hours are remaining.
Q: Is Adult Day the only service considered out of home respite?
A: Yes, that is correct. Each Adult Day client will receive 13-15 days depending on level of care. Adult Day is allocated in days, not hours. Please note we currently have Adult Day partnerships in Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Clayton, Gwinnett, and Henry counties. If the caregiver wants to use an Adult Day of their choice, we have requirements that I will explain to the caregiver and Adult Day center.
Q: What is the maximum amount covered by the voucher?
A: Funding limits vary depending on the grant cycle and applicant’s eligibility. Details will be provided upon approval.
Q: Can I choose my own respite provider?
A: Yes. You may select a provider that meets the program’s criteria.
Q: Can I be paid for caregiving?
A: No, only caregivers employed by respite/home care providers are eligible for providing respite.
Q: Who can I contact with questions?
A: Please contact Shai Stallings at JFCS at (770) 677-9422 or sstallings@jfcsatl.org for assistance or clarification.