Caring for a Child with a Disability

Overview

Taking care of a child with a disability can be overwhelming. You are managing the day-to-day logistics of supporting a growing child with extensive care needs, and at the same time, you are navigating the profound emotional experience of witnessing your child’s unanticipated challenges in life.

Colorado Respite Coalition connects you and your family with care providers so that you can take a break from the demands of constantly being in “parenting mode.” You make sacrifices every single day by doing what you have to do to give your child the best possible life, and you deserve a break.

When you take care of yourself, your child thrives.

Respite care gives you a break for a few hours or even a few days so that you can renew energy, reduce stress, and prevent burnout. It can also help you maintain stability in times of crisis. Respite care gives you the clarity and energy to be the parent your child needs to thrive.

FAQ for parents and caregivers of children with disabilities:

Are there other ways to manage my time and be a better caregiver?

Colorado Respite Coalition has numerous additional resources for family caregivers who want more information and education. We offer several initiatives that work directly with caregivers to help them become even better caregivers (and get better at taking a break!), including webinars and toolkits, training opportunities with partner organizations, and lunch and learns

Is it okay to leave my child in someone else’s care?

Feelings of guilt in this situation are normal and understandable. As a parent, you feel a deep sense of responsibility for your child, especially if they navigate the world with one or more disabilities. However, it’s impossible to shoulder the responsibilities of caregiving without compromising your wellbeing. Colorado Respite Coalition is a resource and an advocate for people like you who are called to care.

What does respite care look like for caregivers of a child with a disability?

Respite care provides temporary relief for family caregivers from the ongoing responsibility of caring for a child with a disability. Respite care typically involves bringing a care provider who can provide medical or companion care into the home, or taking the child to a day-long or overnight program at a facility with on-site support and activities for children with disabilities.

Respite care can also look like asking trusted family members, neighbors, or friends to care for your child so you can take a break. We can provide you with resources to help prepare your family and friends to safely care for your child. Contact us for more information at [email protected].

How do I get started?

You’re in the right place! To find respite providers and programs so you can take a break, visit our Online Resource Finder. If you are worried that respite care might be too expensive, learn more about Compensation for Caregiving and Vouchers for Respite Care.

Supportive programs for parents of a child with a disability

We can connect you with several programs that provide age-specific respite services and resources for caregivers, including:

The Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers

The Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers is a FREE multi-component Caregiver Stress-Busting program. The program meets for 90 minutes each week, for 9 weeks, covering topics including Stress Management Techniques, Relaxation and Coping Strategies.

New Adventures

New Adventures is a free Saturday respite program in Durango, Colorado that gives children and teens with disabilities ages 6-18 the opportunity to explore, while providing parents and caregivers with a much-needed break from caregiving duties.

Challenging Behaviors Seminar

“Challenging Behaviors in Respite Care” is a webinar series through CU Anschutz that covers respite care for caregivers of children from birth to 16-years-old.

Learn more about programs and resources for parents of children with disabilities here.

Build Your Skills as a Caregiver

Explore videos that cover helpful skills and knowledge for caring for a child with a disability.

Resources This Way!

We’ve curated a list of the top free, statewide resources for parents and caregivers of kids with disabilities, including ways to connect with other parents in similar situations.

Parent to Parent of Colorado

Parent to Parent of Colorado connects families of kids with disabilities or special healthcare needs to emotional and informational supports.

Family Voices Colorado

Family Voices Colorado is a grassroots organization run by parents of children with special healthcare needs, giving parents the information and knowledge they need to navigate complex health care systems in order to get things like wheelchairs, oxygen, or a surgery for their children.

Public Programs for Parents and Caretakers

This resource page is hosted by Colorado’s Department of Health Care Policy & Financing (HCPF) and lists various programs helpful to parents of children with disabilities, including the Family Support Services Program, which helps with expenses.

Colorado Department of Education's Resources for Families of Students with Disabilities

This page lists resources for families and caregivers of children with disabilities, with a focus on education and early childhood development.

El Grupo VIDA

El Grupo VIDA is a network of Hispanic/Latino parents formed to provide mutual support for children and adults with disabilities or special needs, their parents, family, and guardians.