Help Getting Caregiver Aid
Caring for a loved one demands significant amounts of time, attention, patience, and dedication. Our Respite Program provides financial assistance to enable caregivers a break to attend a conference, event, or simply have an afternoon or evening away from caregiving.
How to Apply
Awards are granted on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible individuals. There is no fee to apply. Contact a Patient Services Representative at 203.616.4328 or email CaregiverRespite@rarediseases.org to begin your application. Please be prepared to provide:
- Your (the caregiver) name, phone, email, and address
- The name, address, and date of birth of the loved one being cared for
- The name and contact information for the physician who may provide confirmation of diagnosis
Who is Eligible?
The caregiver must:
- Be an unpaid, non-professional family member or significant other of an individual with a rare diagnosis
- Be a US citizen or permanent resident of the United States for at least six months with evidence of residency
- Undergo a financial evaluation of need to determine if they fall within the program’s financial eligibility guidelines
- Provide full-time care for an individual with a confirmed rare disease diagnosis
What Does the Program Provide?
A family member/significant other with financial assistance to hire a short-term respite caregiver. This respite caregiver may be:
- Registered Nurse (RN)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Home Health Aide (HHA)
- Non-professional caregiver