Caregivers of those with disabilities in half a dozen states may soon have an easier time accessing respite care services, thanks to $1.1 million in grants designed to strengthen such programs.

The grants are part of the federal Lifespan Respite Care Program, which provides money to states to coordinate, improve and establish community-based respite care initiatives.

Already 24 states are part of the program that was established by Congress in 2006 to help family caregivers of those with special needs. Now, Colorado, Hawaii, Montana, New Jersey, Ohio and Virginia will be added.

“Caregivers make daily sacrifices, both emotional and financial,” said Kathy Greenlee, assistant secretary for aging at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which handles the program. “Respite allows family caregivers to continue successfully in their roles.”

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