Family caregivers of Alzheimer’s and dementia patients in Kansas now can apply for respite support from a statewide program.

The Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services is providing the Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s and Dementia program, or K-RAD, to provide funding to unpaid caregivers of people living with dementia and Alzheimer’s.

According to Alzheimer’s Association officials, in 2020 there were 55,000 Kansans older than 65 living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. That number is anticipated to climb to about 62,000 people by the end of this year.

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State dementia program manager Jenny Shipman said about 89,000 people in Kansas are caring for a family member living with Alzheimer’s and dementia, per 2022 data. In many cases, those caregivers are doing so with little support for their physical and mental health needs, and without financial assistance.

The unpaid value of care provided in the state is more than $1.99 billion, according to KDADS. More caregivers across the state and country are reporting feelings of “burnout,” physical and emotional exhaustion, as they carry out day-to-day caregiving duties while also tending to their own lives.

Shipman said state officials recognized a need to focus on caregiver health. The K-RAD program was established as an opportunity to get funding for additional respite care and relieve the burden on the caregiver temporarily.

Eligible caregivers can receive up to $1,000 a year per care recipient through the K-RAD program. The money is awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis for qualifying families, and funding is limited. Reapplications for funds are accepted at the start of the fiscal year in July.

People can apply for the K-RAD program at their local Area Agency on Aging office. They will receive a packet that includes an application and certification that is completed by the patient’s doctor or nurse practitioner.

Local AAA offices will give caregivers a list of approved respite care providers, but it’s the responsibility of the caregiver to contact their local providers and organize respite care. Providers later invoice the Area Agency on Aging after completing respite services. Paid caregivers are not eligible for the program.

Caregivers and patients must live in Kansas and in their own homes to qualify for K-RAD services. Exceptions can be requested for situations where the caregiver does not live with the person they are caring for.

“This program will give caregivers a break so they can get things done in their own lives, like see the doctor, or simply so they can get a little bit of mental rest,” Shipman said. “Caregiving is challenging, and it can be a 24/7 task.”

KDADS also offers the Kansas Dementia Roadmap as a guide for people seeking information about the disease and caregiving tips. The document is available online.