Langevin’s legislation, the Lifespan Respite Care Act, increases support for coordinated respite care services across the lifespan.  It would authorize funds for states and local bodies to increase the availability of respite care in their regions, and to help coordinate such activities so that families can more easily access needed services.  

 “Although care giving is personally rewarding, it can result in substantial emotional and physical strain, as well as severe financial hardship,” said Congressman Langevin.  “Many caregivers are exhausted and become sick or worn down themselves.  Respite care relieves these family caregivers from daily care-taking tasks on a temporary or longer-term basis.”

  Each year, over 26 million Americans care for an adult family member who is chronically ill or disabled. In addition, an estimated 18 million children have chronic physical, developmental, behavioral or emotional conditions that place significant demands on their parental caregivers.  Nearly four million Americans of all ages who have mental retardation or another developmental disability live with their families.  Studies show that if services provided by family caregivers were replaced by paid services the cost would reach nearly $200 billion annually.

 “Caregivers repeatedly report an unmet need for respite care and often do not know where to go to find information about reputable, available respite care or how to access various services,” added Langevin.  “With passage of this legislation, we can ease the burden on care givers, while providing those who need the care the very finest services available.”

The Lifespan Respite Care Act enjoys support from over 100 medical and family support organizations from throughout the nation.  A companion measure has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY).

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