Respite care is temporary care for people with disabilities, allowing their families to take a short break from the routine of caregiving. It can also be used if the parent or caregiver needs to attend to a family emergency or even take a much needed vacation. Having access to respite care can make the difference between a stressed family and a rested one.
A common challenge of respite care is finding someone to take care of a child with special needs. It may seem impossible, but this section provides information on where and how to find and fund respite care.
A variety of respite programs exist, but learning about them can be difficult. Even knowing how to ask family or friends can be a challenge. This section will help you understand what is available and how to search for resources in your community.
Who needs respite services?
Many parents are hesitant to use a respite program for a variety of reasons: How will someone else know what to do? What if my child misses me? Although these are common worries, studies show that using respite can temporarily relieve the stress and fatigue experienced from caring for a child with special needs. If family members answer "yes" to any of the following questions, it is probably worth finding out more about respite care services:
- Is it difficult to find temporary care for my child?
- Does caring for my child interfere with scheduling appointments or with personal projects?
- Is it important that my spouse and I enjoy an evening alone together, without the children?
- If I had appropriate care for my child with a disability, would I use the time for a special activity with my other children?
- In the event of a family emergency, who could take care of my child?
- Would I feel comfortable having a trained, caring respite provider care my child?
- Do I avoid going out because I feel I would be imposing on the family and friends who care for my child?
What kind of respite care is available?
There are several types of respite care programs. Some send a caregiver to your home, while others are operated from a care center or respite group home. There are also "exchange" or "host family" programs, where families trade off taking care of each other's children with special needs.
Sometimes children go to a day- or overnight camp. The children have a wonderful respite from their parents, and the parents benefit, too. Recreationand leisure programs for the child with special health care needs might also provide respite for the family.
Whatever the style, most respite programs are managed by affiliates or chapters of national organizations. ARC, Easter Seals and United Cerebral Palsy name a few. You may also discover programs offered through your community churches, schools and other non-profit groups.
How can I afford respite care?
Although many programs rely on public funding or donations for their services, others charge fees on a sliding scale based on the family's income, and some programs use a combination of sources in order to operate. In almost all funded programs, eligibility is based on the child’s age and disabilities, as well as family income. If funding is the only thing between you and respite care, ask your local community support groups for guidance.
