Four Respite Services Selected as Innovative and Exemplary in National Search
Washington, D.C., February 15, 2024 —The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center is pleased to announce that four respite services from across the country were recognized with the highest level of distinction — Innovative and Exemplary. Each respite service met a stringent set of criteria and all have outstanding programs that address the needs of family caregivers of children, adults and/or older adult family members. Having met the criteria, respite services selected as Innovative and Exemplary received an honorarium for their achievements, and will be recognized at the 2024 National Lifespan Respite Conference in May in Albany, NY.
The four Innovative and Exemplary Respite Services are:
• C.H.A.I. (Caregiving Helping Aid Initiative), a program of the Chaldean Community Foundation (CCF), Sterling Heights, Michigan
• Musical Memories Café, West Falls, New York
• Saint Louis Crisis Nursery, St. Louis, Missouri
• Will’s House, Tulsa, Oklahoma
In addition, one service, Autism Eats, Boston, MA, was recognized as a Rising Star. Rising Stars have demonstrated a person and family-centered approach but have not yet met all criteria for Innovative or Exemplary practice.
Respite is the most frequently requested support service among the nation’s 53 million family caregivers, yet 86% do not receive respite services, despite the proven benefits to caregivers and care recipients. Respite for these families can help reduce caregiver stress, improve caregiver and family health and well-being, help avoid more costly out-of-home placements, and may even help to reduce the likelihood of abuse or neglect.
By recognizing high quality respite services across the country, ARCH hopes to encourage the study, expansion, and replication of such services.
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For more detailed information about each program and the selection process, see the attached and the ARCH website.
Press_Release_Innovative_ and_ Exemplary_Respite_Services_2024
