VICENZA, Italy -- The Exceptional Family Member Program provides a temporary rest period for family members responsible for the regular care of persons with disabilities through EFMP's Respite Care program.
Additionally of interest to community members, this program provides an employment opportunity.
Are you eligible and interested in receiving respite care?
The exceptional family member must be medically enrolled in EFMP to be eligible; eligibility is also based on the EFM's severe medical condition or significant medical needs. At this time, educational enrollments are not eligible.
Benefits of receiving care
Family members who are responsible for the regular care of persons with disabilities do many things: shop for food, cook meals, pay bills, in some cases help the person with daily hygiene tasks and living skills, and provide company and emotional support.
For the family member providing care, it is often a full-time job, particularly for caregivers who live in the home. They are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a result, these family members may experience mental and/or emotional strain and shoulder a significant amount of stress, which can result in putting their own well-being at a diminished capacity.
Respite Care is designed to give those family members time to rest, rejuvenate and take some time for themselves. Because the care is provided (and funded) by the Army's Exceptional Family Member Program, the caregiver can take some much-needed time for self-care without placing an additional financial burden on the family.
Interested in employment as Respite Care Provider?
Providers are local family members of active-duty service members, DOD civilians and contractors. Respite Care Providers (RCPs) take on the responsibility to provide care for a family member with special needs. The ideal provider is a dependable, caring individual who is motivated by a desire to serve family members with disabilities in the community.
RCPs can make their own schedules by coordinating with the families, and may work in the family member's home or in the RCPs home. All training provided is at no expense to the RCP, except for First Aid/CPR training. Additional training will be available to the RCP for personal development.
Anyone interested in receiving care or becoming a Respite Care Provider should stop by the Army Community Service EFMP office for more information and to pick up an application. The office is located in the ACS building on Caserma Ederle.
For additional questions and/or information regarding Respite Care through the EFMP, call the EFMP office at DSN 634-8582, comm. 0444-71-8582. (ACS)
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