The state of Kansas will begin this fall to provide $1,000 to unpaid caregiers caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or another dementia, it was announced today (Monday, Sept. 16). The Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s & Dementia Program (K-RAD) will be overseen by Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) but managed and administered by the Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).
According to a news release, to be eligible for this program, the following criteria must be met:
- The caregiver must be a family member or other informal caregiver, 18 years of age or older, providing care to an individual of any age living with Alzheimer’s or another related dementia.
- The individual being cared for must have a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia.
- The caregiver must live in Kansas in the same home as the care recipient (persons residing in long-term care community are not eligible.) In case the caregiver does not live with the recipient, an exception may be requested through KDADS.
The $1,000 grants can be used on adult day care, overnight care, in home care, and homemaker services. Applications will be simple and easy to complete and will eventually be available online. Or, once available, you can pick up an application at your nearest AAA office. Hard copy applications can be submitted at the AAA office or returned by regular mail. When submitting an application the caregiver must include documentation from the doctor caring for the person with dementia stating the presumed diagnosis.
Currently, 89,000 individuals are caring for more than 54,000 individuals over the age of 65 with Alzheimer’s in the state of Kansas. The value of this unpaid care is more than $1.9 Billion. According to the 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts & Figures Report, 74% of dementia caregivers report they are “somewhat concerned” to “very concerned” about maintaining their own health since becoming a caregiver. Overall, dementia caregivers continue to be faced with pressures and challenges due to caregiving. Respite care is extremely important and critical for both the person with dementia and their caregiver. This program will help to ease this burden.
