What Is Respite Care?

Family caregivers are any family member, friend, or neighbor that provides regular support to an individual of any age with any special health care needs. Individuals receiving care may have a variety of special health care needs, including disabilities, chronic conditions, aging challenges, mental and behavioral needs, and other health-related challenges. Anyone providing care in a foster, adoptive or kinship setting is also considered a family caregiver.

There are an estimated 584,000 family caregivers in the state of Colorado (AARP).

For the caregiver:

• Reduces stress levels
• Reduces caregiver burnout
• Provides an opportunity to maintain own health
• Helps establish additional support systems

For the individual receiving care:

• Provides social engagement and a chance to experience new things
• Delays or avoids costly out-of-home placements
• Reduces ER visits and other serious health emergencies
• Prevents abuse and neglect

For the family:

• Bolsters family stability
• Preserves marriages, family units
• Allows families to stay involved in their communities

In-home - care is provided in a home setting. They may perform a number of care duties, for any range of time, including personal care, homemaker services, or skilled medical care. Care may be scheduled or emergency and may be overnight.

Day program - caregiver drops off their loved one and picks them up at the end of the day. Some day programs are based in a facility with on-site activities, potentially including adaptive recreation and sports, while others engage with individuals out in the community or the outdoors.

Overnight and weekend - locations vary based on the needs and interests of the care recipient, but may include activity camps, overnight respite facilities, or short stays in assisted living or skilled nursing facilities.

Respite agency - may be a for- or non-profit organization that offers various types of respite care.

Individual providers - an individual who provides respite care services independently of an agency or wider organization. Individuals can provide flexibility.

Community organizations - local groups who offer respite or other caregiver resources for free or at a reduced rate to individuals in the community. Often these programs are based at community or recreation centers.

Faith-based - a number of faith organizations offer respite services. These may be affiliated with a particular community. These services are often run by volunteers.