Weāre proud to share that Jewish Family Service has received a second year of grant funding from Cambia Health Foundation to continue our Affordable Respite Care Program for older adults and their caregivers. Launched in 2024 with Cambiaās initial investment, the program was met with enthusiasm from clients, families, and care providers alike. JFS partnered with 14 care agencies, using a client-centered approach to meet each familyās unique needs. The program quickly became a vital resource, offering low- and moderate-income families access to essential respite care. 91% of families served last year shared that they would not have been able to access respite care without this program. For Alan & Ruth*, the impact of the program was deeply personal: āJFS has been a bright spot in our caregiver dilemma,ā Alan shared. āI have cancer and was receiving weekly chemotherapy. Ruth has dementia and leaving her alone for long periods was very stressful. The respite grant allowed us to obtain respite care through one of JFS’ partner agenciesāenough hours that the relief was substantial.ā During a time of transition, moving to assisted living, the support made a critical difference. āThe caregivers helped us move in, unpack, organize. They went shopping with us since we donāt drive. When Ruth fell while I was out, the caregiver called me immediately. The next day, the nurse visited to check on her. That kind of care and quick follow-up was so reassuring. Caregiving is expensive and often out of reach. From our perspective, caregiving relief is one of the forgotten aspects of medical care and aging. Iāve done a lot of things over the course of my lifeācaregiving is certainly one of the most difficult. JFS fills a much-needed niche. Weāre very grateful for the assistance we received. Thanks to Cambia Health Foundationās continued partnershipāand the generous support of all who make this program possibleāJFS will continue to help older adults to age in place with dignity and help caregivers find the critical relief and connection they need. Interested in learning more? Contact Tiffanie Emerson, Older Adult Case Manager, for more information. *Client names have been changed for privacy.
