Lifespan Respite Vouchers | High Country Area Agency on Aging

If you are a caregiver interested in receiving a Lifespan Respite voucher or other support, please contact Tammy Nelson at 828-265-5434 ext. 139 or lifespan@hccog.org.

Application

Health and human service professionals can complete a referral application on behalf of a caregiver to request a respite care voucher.

Apply now

Process

Learn more about the referral and application process for respite care vouchers, including eligibility and next steps.

How It Works

Eligibility Pre-Check

Start by completing an eligibility pre-check to see if the caregiver may qualify for a respite care voucher.

Eligibility Pre-Check

north carolina lifespan resite project

What is Respite Care?

Respite care provides primary caregivers with a short-term break from the hands-on responsibilities of caring for a family member. It can be arranged for just an afternoon or extend over several days or weeks. Care may take place at home, in a healthcare facility, or at an adult day center. This break allows caregivers time to focus on their own well-being, enjoy personal activities, and recharge.

NC Lifespan Respite Program Overview

This application-based program offers up to $750 per calendar year in reimbursement vouchers for respite care services to eligible family caregivers who provide unpaid care to individuals of any age. The goal is to give caregivers a short-term break from hands-on responsibilities through flexible respite care options.

What Is Lifespan Respite Roles

Eligibility Requirements

The caregiver must be at least 18 years old.

The caregiver must be a North Carolina resident.

The caregiver must be providing unpaid care for a family member of any age.

Neither the caregiver nor the care recipient can be receiving ongoing, publicly funded in-home or respite care services, including adult day care (see examples of publicly-funded respite services (PDF). Those who are on waiting lists for these services are eligible.

Priority is given to caregivers who:

Have the greatest economic need.
Provide direct care to their loved one.
Have not received a publicly funded respite within 3 months of applying. (Applications not meeting this criteria will be considered if there are emergency or extenuating circumstances.)

How It Works

Learn more about the referral and application process for respite care vouchers, including eligibility and next steps.

Eligibility Pre-Check

Begin by completing a quick pre-check to determine if the caregiver may qualify.

Application

A health or human services organization (the referring agent) must:

Complete the online application on behalf of the caregiver.

Assist the caregiver in completing the Caregiver Certification Electronic Signature Form.

Upload the signed form into the application.

Processing and Approval

The application is received and reviewed by the High Country Area Agency on Aging which:

Provides additional instructions and paperwork.

Sends an award packet to approved caregivers, including:

An award letter authorizing up to $750 in respite care.
Reimbursement forms to be completed and returned.

Using the Voucher

Requirements

Caregivers must:

Use voucher funds within 90 days.

Screen and hire their own respite care provider.

Pay for services upfront if billed before reimbursement.

Submit all required paperwork within 14 days of the expiration date listed on the award letter. Reimbursement checks are mailed within 5 business days of receiving complete paperwork.

Caregivers may hire any respite provider, as long as the individual:

is at least 18 years old,

does not hold Power of Attorney or guardianship, and

does not live in the same home as the care recipient.

Application

Process

Eligibility Pre-Check

What is Respite Care?

NC Lifespan Respite Program Overview

Eligibility Requirements

How It Works

Eligibility Pre-Check

Application

Processing and Approval

Using the Voucher

Requirements

Eligible and Ineligible Services

Apply Now

Additional Resources