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Earlier this year, NORD launched the first-of-its-kind Rare Caregiver Respite Program, designed to enable caregivers to take a much-deserved respite. Leah Schust, caregiver for her young son and one of the first to participate in the new program, shared how she recently spent her break.<\/p>\n
\u201cI was asked to be in my best friend’s wedding in Providence, RI and had to travel away from my home and my son for 4 days and 3 nights. My husband works full time so if we did not have this respite grant, he would have either had to take time off from work to stay home with Ben or I would have had to decline the opportunity,\u201d Leah said. \u201cI had the BEST time and it was such a needed break for me to be able to get away without having to worry about the care of our son.\u201d<\/p>\n
Through the program, NORD provides financial assistance to eligible caregivers covering up to $500 annually so that a respite caregiver may be secured to care for a loved one. Potential applicants can reach out to NORD to determine if they meet eligibility requirements. The grant may be dispersed throughout a calendar year or be used in a single award.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough I love my son and would not trade our lives for anything, every once in a while it is important to get away and do something \u2018normal,\u2019\u201d Leah shared. \u201cThere is a critical need for respite when you care for a disabled child.\u201d<\/p>\n
The fund continues to accept additional donations to ensure the program is sustained for years to come.<\/span> For more information and instructions on how to apply, click here<\/a><\/strong><\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Earlier this year, NORD launched the first-of-its-kind Rare Caregiver Respite Program, designed to enable caregivers to take a much-deserved respite. Leah Schust, caregiver for her young son and one of … <\/p>\n