Respite for Adults

NEW YORK

Grant Information

Name of Grantee

New York State Department of Health

Title of Grant

New York's Respite Care Feasibility Project

Type of Grant

Respite for Adults

Amount of Grant

$74,285

Year Original Funding Received

2003

Contact Information

Betty Rice, Director
Division of Consumer & Local District Relations
518-474-9138
brr02@health.state.ny.us

Charlotte Mason, Project Coordinator
Office of Medicaid Management
One Commerce Plaza, Room 826
Albany, NY 12260
518-474-5271
cmm24@health.state.ny.us

Subcontractor(s)

To be identified.

Target Population(s)

Caregivers of multiple adult populations including, but not limited to, consumers who are medically fragile, cognitively impaired, or physically disabled.

Goal

The goal of this study is to determine the feasibility of developing and implementing a model of respite care that supports both Medicaid eligible and non-Medicaid eligible individuals ability to remain in the community, by lessening the emotional and physical hardships of their caregivers.

Activities

  • Identify types of services available, target populations served, and payment and funding mechanisms being used by respite models in other states and assess the success of various respite models.
  • Identify respite needs of consumers and caregivers through regional/town meetings with consumers, caregivers, providers, and government entities involved in long-term care (LTC) provision.
  • Recommend revisions to New York State regulations and policies needed to support a community-based model of respite care.
  • Investigate the possibility of using federal waiver or grant funds to implement a respite care model.

Abstract

The study will determine which modality(ies) of community-based respite care for adults are feasible in New York. Data will be obtained by examining respite models currently used in other states. The analysis will include, but not be limited to, types of services available, target populations served, success in achieving relief of caregiver stress, and how the use of a community-based respite care system has deterred premature institutionalization.

In addition, the Department will obtain information regarding use of different types of financing mechanisms (e.g., capitated, direct payment, voucher) to allow consumers to exercise choice, control, and responsibility over needed respite services. The study will recommend revisions to statutes, regulations, and policies that must be made or implemented to support a community-based model of respite care.

The Department of Health staff will meet quarterly throughout the study with representatives of primary LTC stakeholders to involve them in the monitoring and evaluation of the activities, reports, and recommendations of the contractor.

The ultimate goal of the Department, based on the results of the feasibility study, is the development and implementation of a community-based respite care model that will enhance the state's community LTC system.