Alzheimers Coachella Valley was recently awarded a $5,000 grant from the Regional Access Project Foundation to support Breathing Space, a respite care scholarship program.
“We are very grateful to the RAP Foundation to receive this funding which will enable us to extend several current scholarships and fund some new urgent requests,” said Dom Calvano, Alzheimers Coachella Valley board president.
The Breathing Space program was created in 2019 for family caregivers who need financial assistance for much-needed respite time for themselves. Studies show that caregivers for family members are at higher risk for stress-related health conditions such as depression and chronic disease. Some studies report that 70% of family caregivers die before their loved ones due to stress-related causes.
Family caregivers may apply for Breathing Space scholarships for up to $500 per month for three months with re-evaluation each 90 days. Scholarships are paid directly to qualified professional in-home caregivers or to licensed care facilities for temporary care of the person with dementia.
“We work with certified, licensed in-home health care workers currently, and until the COVID outbreak, we partnered with adult day care centers such as Eisenhower Memory Center and Vista Cove Rancho Mirage, and with licensed assisted care communities that provided temporary respite care. Once the COVID restrictions are lifted, we will again partner with licensed care communities,” said Calvano.
From November, 2019 through March, 2020, Breathing Space program paid for over 200 hours of temporary respite caregiving.
About Alzheimers Coachella Valley
Alzheimers Coachella Valley is a community based 501 (c) (3) nonprofit providing support and services for Coachella Valley residents living with cognitive impairment, their families and care partners. All funds raised here remain local to fill the need for professional and peer-led programs. ACV is not affiliated with any national organizations.
Alzheimers Coachella Valley is located at 42600 Cook Street, Suite 134, Palm Desert. Office hours currently are Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to noon. (760) 776-3100 or visit www.cvalzheimers.org.
42600 Cook Street, Ste. 134
Palm Desert, CA 92211
(760) 568-4422 o | (760) 898-4938 c (760) 776-3100
Pamela Bieri: rbieri@dc.rr.com | pam@cvalzheimers.org
www.cvalzheimers.org
