Kentucky Respite Connection - The Kentucky Respite Connection is a statewide initiative to expand equitable access, quality, and coordination of respite care for all caregivers regardless of who they support or where they live. This includes care for individuals of any age, ability, or health condition. Aligned with the Lifespan Respite Care Program’s goals, the initiative will build sustainable infrastructure, strengthen cross-sector collaboration, and deliver flexible, person-centered options, with a focus on underserved caregivers. The goal is to create a coordinated, responsive system that meets diverse needs, reduces barriers, and adapts to evolving priorities across the lifespan. Key strategies include developing a centralized, public-facing Respite Care Registry with user-friendly search and matching tools; launching a standardized, competency-based Respite Provider Training and Certification Program applicable across care settings and populations; and hosting an annual Respite Provider Conference for in-person skills training, best-practice sharing, and professional networking. A Caregiver Respite Grant Program will offer micro-grants for planned and emergency respite, ensuring timely, flexible support. Expected outcomes include a fully operational and representative Kentucky State Respite Coalition; a registry with measurable increases in provider utilization and caregiver satisfaction; certification of at least 100 respite providers by Year 2; and direct respite support for at least 200 caregivers, with documented reductions in stress and improved quality of life. Deliverables will include the registry, training framework, conference curriculum, online grant portal, caregiver toolkit, and evaluation materials. Sustainability will be achieved through coalition-led oversight, integration with existing networks, and leveraging outcome data to secure ongoing funding. The Kentucky Respite Connection will serve as a scalable, future-ready model for strengthening respite systems nationwide.
