WARWICK, RI – Congressman Jim Langevin (D-RI) today announced $200,000 in funding for the Lifespan Respite Care program at the West Warwick Senior Center. This Lifespan Respite Care grant was awarded to the state Department of Elderly Affairs, which, in turn, will partner with the Parent Support Network in Johnston, the Diocese of Providence and The Point in Warwick. Nationally, a total of $2.3 million will be disbursed to 12 states.

With this funding, a longtime priority of Congressman Langevin’s, states will be able to establish programs to assist family caregivers in accessing affordable and high-quality respite care services. Program funding will also be used to create a National Resource Center on Lifespan Respite Care to better coordinate and monitor respite services.  In addition to Rhode Island, grants were awarded to: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Illinois, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.

“Many families are struggling to care for loved ones while balancing jobs and household duties because adequate home and community based programs remain difficult to find,” said Langevin, who has advocated for respite care resources since coming to Congress in 2001. “By funding respite care programs, we are taking a proactive step toward providing quality community-based care for millions of Americans with special needs, while preventing caregiver burnout.”

As the state begins to implement its new global Medicaid waiver, these four agencies will use these funds to increase respite care programming in the state.

“On behalf of Rhode Island seniors, I would like to commend Congressman Langevin for his continued commitment to respite care services,” said Corinne Calise Russo, Director, RI Department of Elderly Affairs. “The Lifespan Respite grant will open up new areas of respite services using Time Banks as means to helping families and caregivers take care of their loved ones. Respite is a vital part of our network of home and community-based services designed to help seniors live with respect and dignity.”

“The Diocese of Providence applauds Congressman Jim Langevin for his tireless efforts to pass this important legislation. We look forward to this new partnership to expand caregiver support for the thousands of caring and dedicated family caregivers in Rhode Island.”  The Most Reverend Tomas J. Tobin, Bishop of Providence.

“The Parent Support Network recently joined the ARCH National Respite Coalition and is currently recruiting members for the RI Lifespan Respite Coalition.  We will all work in partnership to make quality respite available and accessible to family caregivers regardless of age or disability,” said Cathy Ciano, Executive Director of the Parent Support Network of Rhode Island.

Langevin first authored and introduced the Lifespan Respite Care Act in the 107th Congress (2002), working with the National Respite Coalition. After years of perseverance, Langevin saw the bill signed into law in December 2006. In January it was funded as part of H.R. 1105 – the FY 2009 Omnibus Appropriations Act. 
                                      
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