Caring for someone with multiple sclerosis can be deeply satisfying, but can also be physically and emotionally exhausting. Taking time for rest and relaxation or attending to personal or business matters is essential to self-care. Respite — temporary relief for family care partners — is an important family preservation and support service.
The Minnesota Chapter provides the Care Partner Relief Grant to help cover the cost of home care or a temporary stay in a skilled facility so care partners can take a break. The following guidelines apply when requesting reimbursement from the chapter for the purchase of respite care services:
- The person with MS must not be eligible for Medical Assistance, CADI or county programs that provide funding for respite care.
- The reimbursed respite care may be provided in either an out-of-home setting or in the client’s home:
- Out-of-home respite care must be provided in a facility or appropriate location approved by the local county social service agency such as a hospital, nursing facility, foster home or community residential facility. When a non-MA certified facility or setting provides care, that facility or setting must meet state licensure standards.
- In-home respite care providers must be individuals who meet the state qualifications of registered or licensed practical nurses, home health aides, or specifically trained personal care attendants to provide care to the client. Respite care workers must have current first-aid training and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training. A respite care worker who is a home health aid or personal care assistant must be under the supervision of a registered nurse.
- The chapter reimburses up to $1,500 per client per year for respite care .
If you have questions, contact Scott, Equipment and Financial Assistance Coordinator, at 612-335-7900, 1-800-582-5296 or sahlgren@mssociety.org.