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Respite Care

What is respite care?

'Respite care' means temporary care provided for people with disabilities, enabling their families to take a short break from the routine of caregiving. It can also be used if you need 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.

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 special needs child. 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 for 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 special needs children.
Whatever the style, most respite programs are managed by affiliates or chapters of national organizations like The Arc, Easter Seal Society and United Cerebral Palsy Associations in cooperation with local hotels (US/GAO). 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 state-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.

How do I find out about respite services?

The websites below have contact information for national organizations as well as their local chapters.

Resources

Information & Support

For Parents and Patients

Respite Locator
Website provides detailed information on local respite programs nearest you.

Easter Seals
Community and family support, respite programs, and current legislative action for people with disabilities.

Arc of the United States
Works to include all children and adults with cognitive, intellectual, and developmental disabilities in every community.

Arc of Utah
Community and national resources for people with developmental disabilities.

Care of the Caregiver Fact Sheet (PDF Document 48 KB)
Information, tips, and resources from the Utah Family Voices Health Information & Support center.

Authors

Authors: Gina Pola-Money, 3/2003
Robin Pratt, 3/2003
Reviewing Author: Alfred Romeo RN, PhD, 6/2008
Content Last Updated: 7/2008