Call to Action- Respite Care
For nearly 3 decades, InCommunity has provided respite care to hundreds of families in Georgia. “Respite care” refers to services that allow caregivers (often family members) a chance to go to medical appointments, work, exercise, etc., by having a temporary caregiver take their place while they are away. Unfortunately, recent changes to the enrollment process for respite by DBHDD (Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities) could dramatically change the availability of this service for thousands of Georgians! It’s important for everyone in the IDD community to jump in and help save this vital service!
What can YOU do to help?
Call your Georgia State Senator and State Representative today. Do not wait! Do not think that other families will do this, and you do not need to. Without swift action, respite care throughout Georgia may disappear for thousands of families!
2. If you use these services and have not already, make sure to apply for a Medicaid Waiver - a new requirement. Click here for more information on applying for a Medicaid Waiver in Georgia.
3. Find out who your elected officials are: https://openstates.org/find_your_legislator/
4. Email and call their offices. Let them know how a change to the enrollment process of respite services creates an undue burden for families. Telling a personal story is often most impactful!
5. Forward this message to friends & families. Share InCommunity advocacy posts on facebook. The more calls/emails to state legislatures the stronger our collective voice for change/access to respite care.
Script for supporting respite services:
Hi, my name is [Name} and I am a constituent from [City, State, Zip]. I am calling to tell [Senator/Representative’s Name] that I oppose DBHDD’s process of approval for respite services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This is important to me because respite services allow {my family / those I care about} and I much needed breaks from providing care to loved ones with an intellectual and/or developmental disability. Respite care is invaluable for retaining staff and allowing caregivers the opportunity to afford a healthy lifestyle. I strongly encourage [him/her] to take an immediate stand against DBHDD’s action to eliminate/limit the eligibility of respite services.
If you have questions please email InThisTogether@incommunityga.org or by calling (470) 300-9682.
Thank you,
-InCommunity
