05/21/2026
Respite care can make an enormous difference for families navigating serious illness and end-of-life care.
In Southwest Oklahoma, caregivers have access to hospice agencies, in-home respite providers, caregiver education, and community support programs that help reduce burnout and allow families to spend more meaningful time together.
Caregiver experiences shared online consistently emphasize that respite services are not a luxury — they are essential for sustaining long-term caregiving. Families often report that even short breaks improve emotional health, reduce exhaustion, and help caregivers continue supporting loved ones at home.
SWODA AGING SERVICES CAREGIVER RESPITE PROGRAM
Proudly serving Beckham, Custer, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Kiowa, Roger Mills and Wash*ta counties.
Are you providing care for a loved one or family member who is 60 or older and who has difficulties performing at least two (2) Activities of Daily Living (eating, dressing, bathing, toileting, transferring) or needs supervision because of cognitive or other mental impairment? Are you 55 or older raising grandchildren or some other minor relative such as a niece, nephew, or step-grandchildren?
Do you need to take a break? Being a caregiver is one of the most important jobs you will ever have. It can also be a difficult task to juggle the care and the other duties that life requires.
Southwestern Oklahoma Development Authority (SWODA) has a Caregiver Respite Program designed to help connect you with services and resources to better prepare, educate, and support you in this vital role. Programs include:
INFORMATION: Give us a call. We can answer questions that you may have.
ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE: We can help you apply or gain access to available services.
SUPPORT GROUPS: Support groups introduce you to others who understand and can support you.
CAREGIVER TRAINING: Hear from our staff and other community experts regarding caregiver needs, concerns, and resources available.
SUPPLEMENTAL SERVICE: Consumable supplies provided on a limited first come first served basis to complement the care provided by caregivers.
RESPITE VOUCHER SERVICES: Funding through Older American Act for vouchers that caregivers can use to hire someone to provide care while the Caregiver takes a break.
ASKING FOR HELP IS A SIGN OF STRENGTH!
Please contact Joanie Swanson, SWODA Caregiver Coordinator at
420 Sooner Drive, Burns Flat, OK 73624
580-562-4882 or 580-562-5026