Valley VNA Senior Care has been awarded a $25,000 StartUP Respite Grant through the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW) to launch an Enhanced Respite Program designed to address an unmet need for family caregivers in the community. The Respite Care Association of Wisconsin supports programs that provide relief and resources for family caregivers across the state.
The Enhanced Respite Program is offered on the first and third Friday of each month from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The program provides personal care support for seniors, including assistance with meals, medication reminders, and bathroom needs. Because the program spans a full day, participants will also receive lunch and snacks, with accommodations made for dietary needs.
Valley VNA Senior Care has offered shorter, two-hour respite programs in Neenah and Oshkosh for several years. Expanding respite services to a full-day format allows caregivers extended time to rest, attend appointments, or manage personal responsibilities, helping reduce caregiver burnout.
Funding from RCAW has also allowed Valley VNA to create a new Respite Coordinator position to oversee the program, coordinate engaging activities, and ensure participants receive the exceptional, compassionate care Valley VNA is known for.
"Responding to the needs of seniors living in our community has been our foundational purpose for over 118 years,” said Becky Reichelt, President & CEO of Valley VNA “With the financial support of this grant, we are proud to once again meet a community need with the addition of our enhanced respite program supporting persons living with dementia and their care partners."
Valley VNA Senior Care is a nonprofit organization providing independent living, assisted living, in-home care, and community programs supporting seniors and families throughout the Fox Valley. For more information about the Enhanced Respite Program, please contact Valley VNA Senior Care at 920-727-5555.