What is respite care?
Respite is planned or emergency support to provide family/primary caregivers with a short break from the exceptional demands of caring for individuals with complex needs across the lifespan.
Types of respite care: Are one of these options right for you?
Center-Based Care
The person spends time at a day center or facility with activities and social interaction.
In-Home Care
A trained professional comes to the home to provide care.
Residential Care
The person stays for a short item in a hospital or group home.
Why is respite important?
The main goal is to give caregivers time to relax, handle personal tasks, or go on vacation. Respite care means someone else takes care of the person you support for a short time so that you, the caregiver, can take a break. Respite can happen at home or other locations. It helps caregivers rest and avoid burnout. An example may be adult day care.
Respite Frequently Asked Questions
What support is included?
Respite care can include help with medication, medical equipment, and safe supervision. As well as participation in social and community activities.
Who can use respite care?
Anyone whose caregiver needs time off for health, work, or other reasons.
How do I access Respite Care?
What do I need to think about before I access care:
– How old is the person you support?
– What are the needs- medical, behavioral, social, etc.?
– What type of location do you prefer – in-home, facility, recreational, etc.?
– Who can help me pay for it? Your Service coordinator can help with this.
Flexible Funding
Through Flexible funding, DDS helps families pay some extra expenses, based on the individual family’s needs and the funding that is available. These funds are managed through the family support centers. It can be given one time or an annual basis. Sometimes it covers all fees, sometimes it covers a portion of the fees. This funding can help you pay for respite care.
Ready to start an Action Plan?
When in doubt about what you need or are eligible for contact your Family Support Center. They can help you identify your Service Coordinator and others to help you.
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