Idaho Program for Dementia Specific Respite - Idaho faces growing gaps in dementia capable respite care, driven by rural isolation, provider shortages, and high caregiver burden. With 29,000 Idahoans living with ADRD and unpaid caregivers reporting severe stress, isolation, and limited assistance, the state urgently requires scalable, affordable respite solutions. The Idaho Commission on Aging, the State Unit on Aging, proposes expanding dementia specific group respite statewide using a faith based, volunteer supported model adapted from Respite for All. This approach builds on program that provides person centered engagement, structured activities, congregate meals, and sustainable cost mechanisms through church partnerships. Goal: Create and sustain a statewide network of dementia capable group respite sites that strengthen caregiver well-being and expand Title IIIE access. Objectives: (1) develop consistent AAA support; (2) identify underserved regions and qualified partners; (3) formalize partnerships with at least two pilot churches; (4) Expand access to dementia-capable respite; (5) strengthen caregiver access to respite; (6) fulfill all ACL cooperative agreement. Approach: ICOA will implement a hub and spoke model in which Cathedral of the Rockies provides training, volunteer management, billing, and oversight, while partner churches offer facilities and volunteers A six-month planning phase will establish statewide standards, MOUs, readiness assessments, and referral pathways, followed by implementation from April 2027– Sept 2029. Outcomes: Increased caregiver access to dementia specific respite; reduced caregiver burden; expanded rural reach; strengthened dementia capable infrastructure; and improved AAA provider networks. Products: Manuals, training curricula, reporting tools, evaluation reports, outreach materials, and implementation guidance to support statewide replication. This project will establish a sustainable, community driven respite system supported through Title IIIE reimbursement and durable statewide partnerships.
