Respite Companions Family Caregiver Support Program
Aging Strong’s Respite Companions Program (formally known as Legacy Corps)provides treasured companionship to military connected older adults, while providing a much-needed break (respite) for family caregivers.
Are you worried when you leave your spouse alone? Do you take a family member, friend, or neighbor to their appointments at the VA? Do you remind your dad to take his medications or pay his bills? Do you go grocery shopping for your mom? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are a family caregiver!
Caring for a loved one is a rewarding and challenging journey. . . help is available so you can care for YOURSELF while caring for a loved one.
With the help of the Mike Brown Real Estate Group, Legacy Corps families and volunteers created a 3 minute video!
Our Respite Companions Family Caregiver Support Program helps older adults age in place and decreases the stress of caregiving. The unique needs of veterans and military connected families are addressed by our volunteer team. Highly trained, and vetted volunteers provide companionship, respite, transportation, information, and a special friendship to help you on your unique caregiving journey! Most volunteers are veterans or military connected; the shared experience of service often eases new relationships and sets a solid foundation for lifelong friendships.
Caregiver support services
One volunteer carefully matched to your family to provide consistent, long-term, compassionate support visits
In-home respite visits (average 4 hours per week)
Transportation to medical appointments / grocery shopping / errands
Information about community and veteran resources
Social and educational events for family caregivers and their loved ones
Who can receive caregiver support?
Family caregivers are friends or family members caring for a loved one—whether they live with that person or not
Individuals still living at home.
Family members providing care for an older adult with military connections.
Families with any military service history—including deceased relatives and in-laws
Families and individuals living in Ada and Canyon counties of Idaho; possibly adjoining counties
Respite Companions volunteers are NOT able to assist in the following areas: medication management, transferring, or personal care
About the Volunteers
Our volunteer team is unique! The majority of volunteers are AmeriCorps Seniors volunteers. With an average age of 70 years-old, each volunteer brings personal understanding of the caregiver journey. After criminal history background checks, an extensive application and screening process, and pre-service orientation, volunteers are invited to meet a family. Volunteers receive ongoing support from staff, and participate in a robust year-round training program designed to meet the needs of the families they serve . . . YOU!
For more information on respite services contact Lisa Underwood
lunderwood@jannus.org or 208-947-4284.
Want to be a Respite Companion Volunteer? Click here
