OKLAHOMA CITY (May 22, 2025) – The ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center, the only national support and advocacy organization dedicated solely to promoting the development of quality respite programs, recently recognized Oklahoma ABLE Tech as a 2025 Rising Star for its respite kit program. 

OK ABLE Tech’s respite kits program provides caregivers with short-term respite by equipping their loved ones with assistive technology (AT) tools designed to address sensory, daily living, and safety needs. 

Respite kit items include items like bed rails, home security systems, health monitoring watches, weighted blankets, automatic pill dispensers, shower benches, walker caddies and much more. A full list of items included in the respite kits can be found at OK ABLE Tech. 

The respite kits were designed for caregivers to have an increased opportunity to take breaks and engage in self-care. Kits are loaned out on a short-term basis for approximately two months with individual consultation offered to families by Oklahoma ABLE Tech staff. Once a loan is complete, respite kits are returned and loaned to other caregivers in need.

The kits have seen tremendous success since the program’s inception. 

“We have found that once caregivers become aware of the support services we offer, including our respite kits, there is nearly a constant demand for them,” said OK ABLE Tech Accessibility Programs Director, Allyson Robinson. 

Last year, OK ABLE Tech provided short-term loans of assistive technology to 615 family members, guardians, or authorized representatives across Oklahoma. 

Respite is the most frequently requested support service among the nation’s 53 million family caregivers, yet 86% do not receive respite services, despite the proven benefits to caregivers and care recipients. Respite for these families can help reduce caregiver stress, improve caregiver and family health and well-being, help avoid more costly out-of-home placements, and may even help reduce the likelihood of abuse or neglect.

OK ABLE Tech’s respite kits were made possible, in part, by a $50,000 grant from Oklahoma Human Services.

“We work closely with OK ABLE Tech and are proud to have played a role in making the organization’s respite kits program possible. Our caregivers in Oklahoma are truly a lifeline for so many, and supportive services like these show our caregivers that they are valued and appreciated,” said Oklahoma Human Services Programs Administrator, Talena Ford. 

Respite kits are available to anyone in Oklahoma who provides care for a loved one and can be requested online by filling out the AT Respite Kit Request Form.  

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