Paying For Respite Care
Respite care often comes with a cost. Most respite providers typically charge an hourly rate or a flat rate.
Vouchers, Grants, & Reimbursements
There are a variety of government, community, nonprofit and individual funding streams available to help pay for respite services.
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.
Respite Care Scholarships from Seniors Resource Center
Located in Wheat Ridge, CO, Seniors Resource Center offers scholarships on a limited, case-by-case basis for respite services for caregivers of older adults.
Family Support Services Program at Foothills Gateway
Foothills Gateway is a nonprofit organization in Fort Collins that has lots of services for adults with disabilities, but also helps cover costs related to caring for a child with a disability (including respite!) through their Family Support Services Program (FSSP). Foothills Gateways serves families in Larimer County.
Free & Low Cost Respite Programs
Free and low cost respite programs do exist in Colorado. Here are a few that we recommend:
New Adventures
New Adventures is a free Saturday respite program 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. New Adventures has locations in Durango and Alamosa.
Discovery Club
A Saturday recreational program for children and teens living with any disability and any special health care need. Discovery Club is low cost – there is a $45 registration fee and a $35 fee per child for each Saturday attended. Discovery Club has location in Northglenn, Boulder, Highlands Ranch, and Lakewood.
Night Lights
Night Lights provides free respite care for children ages 1 month to 13 years old who have special needs and their neuro-typical siblings, helping parents or caregivers have time to refresh, regroup, and take care of themselves. Night Lights has locations in Arvada, Broomfield & Littleton.
The Mill Levy Program at Rocky Mountain Human Services
The Denver Mill Levy Program assists Denver residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) and their families in accessing items, services, and supports, including respite care.
Disability Benefits & Waivers
If your loved one is not already on a Medicaid waiver or receiving other benefits, you may be eligible for benefits. Visit Disability Benefits Services to set up a consultation to navigate which benefits are best for your family.
To find agencies and other organizations that can help pay for respite care, please visit the Online Respite Resource Finder.
Know any other funding streams or resources that we missed?
