If you’ve been caring for a family member or a friend for any period of time, you may have heard the term ‘respite.’ <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Respite, simply defined, is taking a break from caregiving. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Formal and informal, in-home and out-of-home respite options may exist in your locality. Respite programs may utilize an available bed in a health care facility for families who require extended respite options and whose family member or friend requires skilled care; whereas, other respite programs may only offer time-limited (a few hours) services in the family’s home. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
In addition, respite services may be available to families through formal programs that hire and train their staff or may be available to families through <\/strong>informal networks (e.g., volunteer or faith-based initiatives, parent cooperatives, or cash subsidies from states to purchase respite through relatives and friends).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Respite services are usually offered on a sliding fee schedule, or there may be a combination of family fees, state, and federal funding, including Medicaid waivers, and\/or private insurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n