Rainbow Community Respite Program: Support for the Caregiver’s Journey

Rainbow is proud to announce the launch of its Community Respite Program, a six-month pilot initiative designed to provide essential in-home support to local family caregivers, is now active and providing vital support to local families. Recognizing that short-term rest is vital to preventing burnout, this program offers families an opportunity to recharge while ensuring their loved ones receive expert care.

Through funding from Tomorrow’s Hope and RCAW, and in collaboration with Home Instead, we are pleased to offer scholarship-based care. Our goal is to ensure that financial barriers do not stand in the way of local families having access to the essential respite resources they deserve.

Scholarship Opportunities & Program Details

We are currently offering ten scholarships, each valued at $1,500. This funding typically covers approximately 40 hours of professional caregiving services provided by Home Instead.

• Service Area: This pilot program is initially available to residents within the Rainbow Community Care service area south of I-94.

• Eligibility: Scholarships are intended for individuals and families who have exhausted other payment sources.
  • Full Scholarships: Generally available to those with household incomes less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines.
  • Partial Scholarships: Available on a sliding scale for those between 200% and 400% of the guidelines.
  • Financial Review: Applicants with a net worth exceeding $150,000 will undergo a secondary review to determine need.

How the Process Works

We’ve designed our application process to be supportive and comprehensive:

1. Initial Assessment: Rainbow Community Care and Home Instead will conduct a joint visit to your home to understand your family’s unique medical, environmental, and financial needs.
2. Care Planning: Home Instead will develop a tailored care plan, including a schedule and recommended services.
3. Application Support: A Rainbow employee will personally assist you in completing the Scholarship Application and Financial Questionnaire.
4. Review & Approval: Applications are reviewed based on financial eligibility and demonstrated hardship. Once approved, Rainbow will coordinate directly with Home Instead to initiate services.

Take the Next Step

Don't navigate the challenges of caregiving alone. Our mission is to support your entire household through the journey of aging and illness.

Ready to learn more or begin the application? Please contact CommunityRespite@RainbowHospiceCare.org to request an application packet or to schedule your initial partnership visit.

Rainbow Community Respite Program: Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Rainbow Community Respite Program? Unlike the standard Medicare Hospice Respite benefit, this program is a community-based initiative that connects caregivers with local partners to provide much-needed breaks. Our goal is to reduce caregiver burnout and promote the well-being of the entire household.

Who provides the actual care? Rainbow Community Care has partnered with Home Instead to provide these services. The care provided includes the standard professional services currently offered by Home Instead.

How do the scholarships work? We are currently offering ten pilot scholarships valued at $1,500 each. This amount typically covers approximately 40 hours of in-home caregiving.

Who is eligible for a scholarship? Scholarships are designed for families who lack the financial resources for respite and have exhausted other payment sources.

• Location: The pilot is currently focused on the service area south of I-94.
• Income: Families with income less than 200% of federal poverty guidelines may receive a full scholarship.
• Sliding Scale: Families with income between 200% and 400% may qualify for partial scholarships.
• Assets: Applicants with a net worth over $150,000 will undergo a more detailed financial review.

How do I apply? The process begins with a joint visit from Rainbow Community Care and Home Instead to assess your needs. After the visit:

1. A Rainbow employee will help you complete the Scholarship Application and Financial Questionnaire.
2. You will need to provide documentation of household income, such as tax returns or pay stubs.
3. You will provide a written statement explaining how this respite care will benefit your family.

What happens after I am approved? Once approved, you will receive written notice of your award. If you receive a partial scholarship, we will work with you to create a payment plan for the remaining balance before services begin.