Respite Care (Glossary)

Respite Care: Temporary care to children with disabilities in order for the family caring for that child to have a break. Respite care gives the family time to temporarily relieve the stresses of taking care of a child with disabilities. A family can leave a child with the caretaker(s) overnight or even for a few days to take a vacation. After reading this article, you will have the information you need to decide if respite care is right for your family.

Who provides respite care and how is it financed?

Most respite programs are provided by local chapters of certain national organizations such as Easter Seals or the United Cerebral Palsy associations. Other local organizations and non-profit groups may also provide respite programs. Respite programs may take place in the family's home or at an outside facility.

Many local agencies provide daily respite care for disabled children who have working parents. Many respite programs receive public funding, others charge a fee based upon a family's income. If a host family which also has a child with a disability is responsible for care, they may provide the service in exchange for the other family providing the same service for them at another time. You may contact your state's planning council on developmental disabilities to find out who provides respite care in your area.

Does my child qualify for respite care?

Each state may determine eligibility for respite care. Contact your local or state social services department to determine the requirements in your state.

How will respite care benefit my family?

Respite care can give a child a chance to learn how to build new relationships. For children in daily respite care, they may gain skills that they need to eventually become more independent.

If you are the normal daily care giver for a disabled child, go ahead and look into respite care in your area. You deserve a break.