AUGUSTA — Spectrum Generations recently announced the Caregiver Respite Program has funds available. Although there are many rewards in caring for a friend or family member with dementia, family caregivers can become stressed and exhausted over time. Respite, the opportunity to take a break, is vital to caregiver well-being.

The program supports family caregivers by helping cover the cost for someone else to provide care for the person with dementia. This may take place in the home, at an adult daycare program, or overnight in a facility (on a limited basis). The care may be provided by a family member, friend or neighbor, someone from a homecare agency or an adult day program.

The program can reimburse up to $3,040 a year (which is 80 percent of a total annual cap of $3,800) of what it costs to have someone come into the home a few hours a week, or several hours of adult day care per week. It can also help with the cost of up to two full weeks of overnight continual care in an assisted living or nursing facility. Furthermore, up to $2,000 (lifetime) can be used to help cover the cost of home modifications needed to promote independent living.

In order to qualify for the program, there must be a written diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or related memory disorder from a physician, liquid assets cannot exceed $50,000 for one person or $75,000 for a couple, and there must not be any assistance from any other state subsidized programs.

For more information, or to apply, call 800-639-1553.