Respite CARE Act

Summary

Creates a competitive grant program under the Older Americans Act to fund development or expansion of integrated caregiver support services that deliver respite care alongside other supportive services. Grants may go to state and local agencies, nonprofits, area agencies on aging, senior centers, colleges, and Tribal organizations and can be used directly or by contracting with health care or child care providers. The law defines key terms including respite care, family caregiver, older relative caregiver (55+), child care provider standards, health care provider categories, and Tribal entities.

• Creates a new competitive grant program under the Older Americans Act to support integrated respite and caregiver support services.
• Eligible grantees include state/local agencies, nonprofits, area agencies on aging, senior centers, colleges, and Tribal organizations.
• Grants can be used directly by grantees or through contracts with health care or child care providers meeting federal standards.
• Defines key terms such as respite care, family caregiver, older relative caregiver (55+), health care provider, and child care provider quality/license requirements.
• Respite care can include both health-related respite services and child care when provided to relieve family caregivers.
• Program emphasizes delivering respite concurrently and in an integrated setting with other supportive services to improve coordination.
• Does not specify funding amounts, appropriation timing, or grant award criteria beyond competitive selection.
• Incorporates cross-references to existing federal definitions and standards for child care, health care providers, and Tribal entities.