The Kansas Respite for Alzheimer’s and Dementia (K-RAD) program offers up to $1,000 annually to support unpaid caregivers of individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The program, managed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, aims to alleviate caregiver stress by providing financial assistance for respite care.

In 2020, approximately 55,000 Kansans aged 65 and older were living with Alzheimer’s or dementia, a number projected to reach 62,000 by the end of this year. Data from 2022 indicates that about 89,000 Kansans provide unpaid care for family members with these conditions, often without adequate support. The unpaid value of this care exceeds $1.99 billion.

The K-RAD program addresses caregiver burnout by offering financial relief for respite care. Funds are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, and caregivers can reapply at the start of the fiscal year in July. Applications are available through local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) offices, which also provide lists of approved respite care providers. However, caregivers must coordinate services themselves. Paid caregivers are ineligible.

To qualify, both the caregiver and the care recipient must reside in Kansas in a private home, though exceptions may be granted in specific cases.