How does respite care support families?

Respite care – a service designed to provide relief for primary caregivers of children with special needs – can be life-changing for families.

Caring for a loved one with a disability can be physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding, and respite care is crucial for the caregiver to maintain their stability and well-being.

Respite workers provide one-on-one care to individuals with special needs, in or out of the house. They step in to support your loved one in meaningful, everyday ways, like playing together, going for walks, reading books, helping with meals, or assisting with bathing and other routines. Care may be offered in short, scheduled breaks throughout the week or for longer stretches when needed.

The number of respite hours approved is determined by OPWDD, based on individual eligibility and support needs, ensuring families receive an appropriate level of assistance.

There are many excellent benefits for caregivers. Respite care can help: 

‍Keep tension and exhaustion at bay and help a caregiver avoid burnout by giving them a break from their weighty responsibility, and the chance to unwind, get out, or complete other tasks.

‍Foster stronger relationships by helping prevent or ease feelings of resentment, anger, or frustration that caregivers may experience, allowing them to show up more fully in their relationships.

‍Increase caregiver resilience by providing regular breaks. Caretakers can feel less anxious and more empowered to manage their everyday obligations when they know there’s trustworthy support available.

‍Create time for priorities by giving caregivers time to take care of essential tasks, personal needs, and meaningful relationships that could otherwise be delayed or overlooked.

Respite care can also benefit the individual with special needs by giving them warm interactions with another caregiver, sometimes in new environments that encourage growth and social development.

If you would benefit from respite care, reach out to our services specialist to find out if you might be eligible, and how to apply.