Caring for an Adult with a Disability

Overview

Taking care of an adult with a disability as a family caregiver is a challenge. Maybe you are a parent and you’ve been committed to giving your child the best possible life throughout childhood. The transition into adulthood comes with its own unique challenges. Or, maybe you are caring for your sibling, spouse, or another close family member. One of the challenges with this type of care is figuring out how you will sustain yourself during this chapter.

The Colorado Respite Coalition offers programs and resources for you and your loved one to get a break from one another and some much needed rest. You have made a lifelong commitment to caring for your loved one. Give yourself some time back as they navigate adulthood with respite care.

Respite care is worth it.

Taking care of a loved one isn’t easy. You may feel like you are responsible for everything in your loved one’s life, but you don’t have to do it all on your own. Taking a break is essential. You are capable of stepping back from the day-to-day and experiencing the many benefits of respite care.

FAQ for parents and caregivers of adults with disabilities:

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

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

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. Respite care can also help caregivers maintain stability in times of crisis.

Is respite worth it?

Yes! Respite comes with many benefits:

Renewing your energy
Reducing your stress and preventing burnout
Giving you peace of mind
Giving you the opportunity to pursue your interests
Improving your capacity to cope with the day-to-day
Helping you maintain stability in times of crisis
Strengthening your relationship with the person you are caring for

Colorado Respite Coalition helps you tap into existing resources in your community so you can take a rest and come back refreshed and ready to be the best caregiver you can be.

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.

How do I get started?

To find respite providers and programs so you can take a break, visit our Online Resource Finder.

Learn more about compensation for caregiving and vouchers for respite care.

Supportive programs for family caregivers of an adult with a disability

We can connect you with several programs and institutions that provide respite services and resources for caregivers of adults, including:

The Stress-Busting Program for Family Caregivers

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.

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.

CRC’s Family Respite Reimbursement Program

The Colorado Respite Care Program’s Self-Directed Family Respite Reimbursement Program provides funds for respite care to family caregivers across the state of Colorado, serving all ages and extensive health care needs. This program offers a resource for unserved and underserved family caregivers who have limited access to respite care and/or other supports through current systems.

Not sure where to start?

Build Your Skills as a Caregiver

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

Watch all our videos on skills for caring for adults with disabilities on Youtube.

Resources This Way!

We’ve curated a list of the top free, statewide resources available to adults with disabilities including benefits, advocacy services, referrals, and financial guidance.

Aging and Disability Resources for Colorado (ADRC)

ADRC provides information on long-term services and support options available to older adults, including options counseling, future planning, and informed decision-making. Call 1.844.COL.ADRC (1.844.265.2372) to learn more.

The Arc of Colorado

The Arc of Colorado is an organization split into fourteen local chapters across the state of Colorado that provide self-advocacy services to adults with disabilities and their families. Self-advocacy is supporting people with disabilities to make their own decisions and live with greater independence.

Long-Term Care Medicaid Waivers

A waiver is an extra set of Health First Colorado (Colorado’s Medicaid program) benefits that people with disabilities can qualify for in certain cases. Waivers have extra program rules and some programs may have waitlists.

Center for People with Disabilities (CPWD)

CPWD’s free Information & Referral Program provides information about CPWD programs and services, community resources, and referrals to other services providers in our community to people with disabilities and their families.

Colorado Achieving a Better Life Experience (Colorado ABLE)

Colorado ABLE is a trust savings account option for people with disabilities. It enables people with disabilities to save their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) & Supplemental Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits without risking losing Medicaid eligibility.