QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE RESPITE RESOURCE CENTER (RRC)

Q: Who is a caregiver?
A.: A caregiver can be a spouse, an adult child, a sibling or other individual who has taken on the day-to-day care of a person with a long-term or life-long disability. The caregiver handles many of the individual's daily activities such as sitting with the person, bathing, dressing or feeding the individual as well as assisting with other day-to-day activities.

Q: What is respite?
A.: The dictionary describes "respite" as an interval of temporary relief or rest from work or duty. Respite provides caregivers an opportunity to have some time away from their caregiving duties in order to take care of themselves.

Q: Why do people need respite?
A. Results of a recent statewide survey conducted by the Munroe-Meyer Institute of the University of Nebraska Medical Center, show that there are four definite outcomes that impact caregivers who have respite available to them: 1. Reduction in the likelihood of out-of-home placements. 2. Improvement in the caregivers' emotional well being by decreasing stress. 3. Improvement in the caregivers' social well being by reducing feelings of isolation. 4. Maintenance of positive relationships among caregivers and their family members. Respite makes a positive difference in families' lives.

Q: Who qualifies for respite?
A.: Any citizen of Nebraska who regularly provides care to a family member or loved one who, in providing that care, may be overwhelmed by the demands of the daily care of that individual IS ELIGIBLE.

Q: What is the Respite Resource Center?
A. The Respite Resource Center (RRC) is a non-profit, state-funded agency that is one of six sites throughout Nebraska that are part of the Nebraska Respite Network. The Respite Resource Center gathers and coordinates information on paid and volunteer respite services available to caregivers as well as information on professional or donated services.

A: You can get a list of respite agencies, facilities, programs and providers by calling the Respite Resource Center (RRC), 402-996-8443.

Q: What areas does the Respite Resource Center cover?
A: The Respite Resource Center coordinates resources for Douglas and Sarpy Counties.

Q: Where are the other Nebraska Respite Network members located?
A: The other Nebraska Respite Network locations, which serve various counties throughout Nebraska are: Northern, located in O'Neill; Southeastern, located in Lincoln; Central, located in Loup City; Southwest, located in McCook, and Western, located in Chadron, Nebraska. Call 1-866-RESPITE (737-7483) to be connected to the office in your area.

Q: How can I get in touch with the Respite Resource Center?
A. The Respite Resource Center is located at 4223 Center Street, Omaha, NE 68105. The phone number is 402-996-8443; fax: 402-996-8445. Email: omaha.respiteresources@yahoo.com. The website is www.respitenetwork.org.

Q: Does the person being cared for have to be of a certain age?
A. No. The Respite Resource Center helps coordinate services for caregivers of people from infants through childhood and youth through adult and senior citizens.

Q: What services does the Respite Resource Center provide?
A.: The Respite Resource Center serves as a one-stop location for information on respite. Both caregivers and providers can receive information from the RRC. Caregivers will be provided with a list of both paid and non-paid respite services. Providers can list their services with the Respite Resource Center and receive information where they may apply to use their interests and talents in providing respite.

Q: How is Respite Resource funded?
A: The Respite Resource Center is a non-profit organization that relies on grants and donations for its continued services for the citizens of Douglas and Sarpy Counties. The Resource Center recently received a state grant to offset some operational costs.

Q: Is there a charge to contact the Respite Resource Center?
A: No. There is no cost to the individual to obtain information from the Respite Resource Center, which operates like a clearinghouse, with information for both individual caregivers and for individuals or agencies that provide these services.

Q: How does respite occur?
A: Respite can occur in many different ways and places, depending on the needs of the caregiver and the person they are caring for. Some examples are: paid or volunteer in home service; day service centers for adults; day care centers for children; camps; schools; extended care facilities and many more.

Q.: If I want to volunteer, what's involved?
A: Thank you for considering volunteering for respite. If you are interested in donating your time, please contact the Respite Resource Center at 402-996-8443. You will be asked to fill out an application. In addition, the Respite Resource Center will conduct an Adult Protective Services (APS) and/or Child Protective Services (CPS) background check.

Q: How will I pay for respite?
A: It is recommended that you check with your insurance carrier to determine whether respite is a service that would be reimbursed by insurance. If you have a caseworker, discuss payment sources for respite with the caseworker, or call the Respite Resource Center.

Q: How long has the Respite Resource Center been in existence?
A: The Respite Resource Center was created in May, 1999, as part of the Nebraska Respite Network. It is one of six sites designed to help Nebraskans learn more about respite care and obtain services.

Q: How long can I have respite care services?
A: As long as you are a caregiver, you deserve a break.

Q: What do I do about vacations or if I have to go to the hospital myself?
A: Vacations or other personal times of need are the perfect opportunity to use respite. The Respite Resource Center staff will discuss different options that would best meet both you and your loved one's needs.

For immediate questions e-mail: omaha.respiteresources@yahoo.com