Caring for an older family member can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. It is important for caregivers sometimes to take a break.
AgeWays’ caregiver respite voucher program helps informal and family caregivers access short-term respite care.
Our Care Voucher Program gives eligible caregivers up to $575 to spend on respite care. Caregivers can use a professional caregiver or pay someone already in their trusted circle—like a family member, neighbor, or friend.
Live in one of the six Michigan counties we serve (Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair and Washtenaw).
How Does the Program Work?
Step 1: Start by Getting a Referral
You will need a referral to use the program. A professional may have already recommended the program. If not, you can ask a professional you work with to refer you. This could be a doctor, a nurse, a social worker or someone at a nonprofit organization or senior center. A professional can use our online form to make the referral or email us.
Step 2: Next, Find a Caregiver
You have lots of options. You might ask someone you already know and feel comfortable with to provide care. (Think neighbors, friends, or other family members.) If you don’t have someone in mind, we can help you find a professional caregiver. Anyone you pay through the program will need to pass a background check and be approved.
Step 3: Schedule and Pay for Care.
We use an online platform, CareLinx, to help you manage care. Along with scheduling and managing care through the platform, you will use the Carelinx platform to pay your caregiver with your voucher funds.
The program is partnering with Carelinx by Sharecare to provide an online portal to easily manage your respite care and respite care benefits.
Through Carelinx, you have access to a team of care advisors who can assist you with selecting a pre-screened, professional caregiver to help you or a loved one with their activity of daily living at home.
FAQ
What is Respite Care?
Respite service can provide a much-needed, temporary break from the often exhausting challenges faced by family caregivers. Respite vouchers let caregivers hire another person (respite provider) to temporarily care for their loved ones.
Respite care strengthens families, helps keep caregivers healthy, and forestalls the need for individuals requiring full-time care to move into state-financed institutions or expensive nursing home living.
Who gets priority?
Priority is based on a first come first serve basis. If there is a high intake of referrals, priority will be given to Individuals who have not received a voucher within the past 6 months, outside of the tax year
Individuals receiving in-home care services are eligible; Highest priority goes to individuals on search ques/waitlists.
How often can I apply for a respite voucher?
Family caregivers may receive one voucher within a 12-month time frame (calendar tax year: January - December), dependent on available funds, which is subject to change based on available funding.
How much is the voucher award?
The program structure will allow for funded dollars to each Family in an amount up to $575
How long do I have to use it?
Caregivers have up to a year (12 months) to use the voucher, which begins the date you are awarded and notified.
How do I get respite services with a voucher?
We use an online platform, CareLinx, to help you manage care. A Care manager will work with you to find a respite care provider. The respite care provider can be anyone the caregiver chooses, such as a family member, friend, or professional caregiver.
What is CareLinx by Sharecare, and how does it work?
CareLinx by Sharecare is a nationwide online network that connects individuals and families with pre-screened, professional caregivers in their area. CareLinx by Sharecare provides “technology with a human touch” – individuals and families can access an online portal to view caregivers, message with them, hire them, and create individualized tasks for them to assist in the home. All families are assigned a dedicated advisor who can also assist by phone with the caregiver matching and any questions you may have.
What is a care advisor?
Care advisors are the guiding experts for Associates or families during their in-home care journey.
Care Advisors assist with enrollment by identifying home care needs and caregiver preferences. They continue to provide ongoing support after a caregiver is hired to ensure overall satisfaction with the CareLinx by Sharecare experience.
How are caregivers vetted for the program?
Carelinx takes every step to ensure the quality of the caregivers providing care to you and your loved ones. They have a recruiting team dedicated to vetting your preferred caregiver (friends, family, etc.) or professional caregivers. Vetting includes:
A comprehensive background check (federal, multi-state criminal database, national sex offender registry, SSN trace)
DMV records, if applicable
Contact Us
Family caregivers deserve a break. AgeWays’ new Caregiver Respite voucher program provides family caregivers up to $575 to purchase respite care, so you can run errands, attend medical appointments, or take time for self-care.
To get more information about the caregiver respite voucher program, you can email the program coordinator, call us directly at 248-262-5500, or by filling out the form below.
Our Program Grantors
Funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and Ralph C. Wilson Foundation.
