Gema Ramos, RN, Care Services Coordinator, ALS United Illinois
Being a caregiver can be very challenging and difficult, especially for a caregiver taking care of an individual with ALS. We offer a respite grant to provide some rest and relief for the caregiver of an individual with ALS. The caregiver can have time to rest or step out for a couple of hours knowing that there is someone taking care of their loved one. Providing respite for the caregiver can help prevent or alleviate caregiver burnout.
Below are the eligibility requirements:
- The patient must have a definitive diagnosis of ALS and reside in ALS United Illinois’s service area.
- The patient must be under the care of one of ALS United Illinois’s clinical partners.
- The caregiver/applicant must be registered with ALS United Illinois for at least three months.
- The caregiver/applicant must establish need for ALS United Illinois respite care assistance.
The respite care covered by the grant is respite provided by a private-duty agency caregiver or an independent caregiver. The caregiver cannot be living in the same home as the individual with ALS. The grants are awarded each quarter based on the number of applications received and available funds. The grant amount is $500 per quarter (The first quarter in a calendar year starts Jan-Mar), and the grant amount has a max of $3000.
The families in my area that have used the grant are grateful for the support and appreciate the additional funding to help pay for a caregiver.
For caregivers of individuals with ALS, I commend you and appreciate you for what you’ve done and what you continue to do. Please take the time to rest and take care of yourself. Use the respite grant to give yourself a break.
The respite grant has an application. Please request an application from your Care Services Coordinator.