CHANUTE, Kan. — In recognition of National Family Caregivers Month in November, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA) is highlighting the positive impact of the Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s & Dementia (K-RAD) program on unpaid family caregivers throughout Southeast Kansas.
Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia can be rewarding, but it also comes with physical and emotional challenges. The K-RAD program helps ease some of that burden by providing financial assistance for temporary respite care, giving caregivers an opportunity to take a break, attend to personal needs, and recharge while knowing their loved one is receiving care.
K-RAD, administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) and delivered through local Area Agencies on Aging, provides eligible unpaid family caregivers with up to $1,000 per year to help cover the cost of temporary respite services.
Melinda Feugate, SEKAAA Case Manager, has seen firsthand the difference this assistance makes for families.
“Clients who receive K-RAD often tell us how tremendously helpful the respite services have been. For some caregivers, simply having time away to reset from the mental fatigue of caregiving makes a tremendous difference. They return feeling refreshed, with renewed energy to continue caring for their loved ones. That break can be so important, not only for the caregiver’s well-being but also for the person receiving care,” said Feugate.
“Family caregivers give so much of themselves every day. It is important that they have opportunities to take care of themselves, too,” said Kathy Brennon, Executive Director of SEKAAA. “Programs like K-RAD recognize the important role caregivers play and provide practical support that can help families continue caring for their loved ones at home and in their communities.”
K-RAD is available to unpaid caregivers age 18 and older who live in Kansas and provide care to an individual with a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. Exceptions to living arrangements may be requested. Assistance is paid directly to approved respite providers and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, as funding allows.
Caregivers interested in learning more or applying for assistance can contact SEKAAA at 620-431-2980 or call the statewide K-RAD information line at 1-866-457-2364.
Additional program information and eligibility requirements are available through the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services at https://www.kdads.ks.gov/krad.
About Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging
Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA) is a nonprofit, community-based organization established in 1973 under the Older Americans Act. Serving nine counties in Southeast Kansas, SEKAAA works to support older adults in living the lifestyle of their choice through individualized, person-centered services tailored to meet their unique needs. The agency also provides information, assistance, and resources to family caregivers to help them navigate the challenges of caring for an aging loved one.
About the K-RAD Program
The Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s & Dementia (K-RAD) Program is a state-funded initiative administered by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. The program helps unpaid caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia access temporary respite services, providing caregivers with an opportunity to rest and recharge while their loved ones receive care.
Contact: Kathy Brennon, Executive Director, Southeast Kansas Area Agency on Aging (SEKAAA), 620-431-2980, Kathy.Brennon@sekaaa.com