Alabama Department of Senior Services Awarded Two Grants for Respite and Caregiver Programs

Alabama Department of Senior Services Awarded Two Grants for Respite and Caregiver Programs

The Alabama Department of Senior Services (ADSS) has been awarded two highly competitive federal grants that position Alabama as a national leader in strengthening respite and caregiver support systems. ADSS was selected as one of eight states nationwide to receive a Lifespan Respite State Program Enhancement grant and as one of five states to receive an Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers grant-a distinction that underscores the strength and innovation of Alabama's caregiver infrastructure.

"Receiving both of these grants is a compliment to the work being done in Alabama on behalf of our older adults," said Department of Senior Services Commissioner Jean Brown. "ADSS is committed to providing resources and services to secure and maintain the independence and dignity of older Alabamians and persons with disabilities."

The Lifespan Respite State Program Enhancement grant is a three-year award totaling $1.6 million and is designed to significantly expand the availability, quality, and awareness of respite services across the state. Through the Caregiver Wellness Initiative, this funding will increase access to respite care and evidence-based mental health counseling for family caregivers of individuals across the lifespan, including older adults, individuals with disabilities, and those with chronic or complex health conditions. The grant also supports targeted outreach and marketing efforts to ensure caregivers-particularly those in rural and underserved communities-are aware of available respite resources, educational opportunities, and supports that promote caregiver well-being and sustainability.

Complementing this effort, the Advancing State Implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers grant is a two-year, $535,000 award focused on expanding and strengthening Alabama's community-based caregiver support infrastructure. This funding will support increased access to adult day services, enhance statewide emergency respite preparedness and response capabilities, and implement a Family Wellness Initiative. The Family Wellness Initiative will deliver evidence-based mental health counseling and educational supports not only to care recipients, but also to family members and informal supports who contribute to the caregiving team but are not the primary caregiver-recognizing the broader network of individuals essential to maintaining caregiving stability.

These grants will be implemented through a strategic partnership between ADSS and United Cerebral Palsy of Huntsville (UCP), the designated provider of the Alabama Lifespan Respite Resource Network and Program. Leveraging UCP's statewide infrastructure, expertise, and established network of respite providers and community partners, ADSS and UCP will collaboratively implement these initiatives across Alabama. Together, these projects will expand access to high-quality, home- and community-based respite services, strengthen caregiver mental health supports, and reinforce Alabama's commitment to sustaining family caregivers and the individuals they serve.

ADSS is a cabinet-level state agency that administers programs for senior citizens, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Brown as Commissioner of the Department of Senior Services in 2019.