Alabama's lifespan respite care program: state program enhancement grant

The Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) received a $400,000 Cooperative Agreement award from the Administration on Aging under the Lifespan Respite Care Program (CFDA 93.072) effective September 30, 2025, through September 29, 2028. In partnership with the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network (a program of United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville and Tennessee Valley, Inc.), the Alabama Lifespan Respite Coalition, and other state and local collaborators, ADSS will implement a state program enhancement initiative designed to increase access to respite care services for family caregivers across Alabama. The program targets underserved populations and focuses on expanding service capacity through increased respite hours, mental health counseling, and respite provider training while reducing caregiver burden.

The award will generate several key deliverables to support these objectives, including magazine and digital advertising materials, caregiver toolkits, standardized caregiver information packets and referral tools, and enhanced data collection mechanisms to evaluate program effectiveness. ADSS will strengthen internal caregiver identification and referral processes within Area Agencies on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Centers, while establishing new partnerships with state agency partners and their local offices. The projected outcomes include reaching new caregivers, improving operational workflows, increasing cross-training among partners, and reducing stress, anxiety, isolation, and depression among participating family caregivers. Outcome data will be shared with the Alabama Department of Mental Health and other collaborative partners to assess the effectiveness of free and accessible mental health supports for family caregivers.

Abstract

The alabama department of senior services (adss), in partnership with the alabama lifespan respite resource network™ (alabama lifespan respite), a program of united cerebral palsy of huntsville and tennessee valley, INC. (UCP), the alabama lifespan respite coalition (coalition), and other partners proposes to implement principles and actions contained in the national strategy to support family caregivers to meet goals one, three, and five, aligning with the mission of lifespan respite care programs to elevate the quality and availability of respite services to reduce caregiver burden. To accomplish these goals, adss and its project partners will utilize new strategies to achieve the key objectives: 1) reach underserved populations; 2) increase collaboration with new state agency partners and its local offices; 3) strengthen caregiver identification and internal referral processes within the AAA/adrcs; 4) enhance caregiver well-being by expanding access; and 5) utilize data and insights from the caregiver wellness initiative. The projected outcomes include: 1) reaching new caregivers to provide support; 2) increased partnerships and cross-training; 3) improved workflow and efficiency identifying new caregivers and sending referrals; 4) increased respite hours, mental health counseling, and respite provider training to benefit caregivers; and 5) decreased stress, anxiety, isolation, and depression experienced by caregivers. Specific products will also be developed that will include: 1) magazine print ADS; 2) digital banner ADS; 3) caregiver toolkits; 4) standardized caregiver information packets and referral tools; and 5) data to be shared with the alabama department of mental health (admh) and other collaborative partners to determine the effectiveness of free and accessible mental health counseling and supports for family caregivers.