Respite care is the temporary or short term care of an individual, whether adult or child, with special needs so that families can take a break from the daily routine of care giving. "Temporary" may mean anything from an hour to three months. It may also mean "periodically or on a regular basis." It can be provided in the client's home or in a variety of out-of-home settings," (Warren and Dickman, 1981, p. 3).

Since not all families have the same needs, respite care should always be geared to individual family needs by identifying the type of respite required and matching the need to the services currently available.

One of the most important purposes of respite care is to give family members temporary relief of stress they may experience while providing extra care for a family member with a ‘special need’. It is often referred to as the ‘gift of time’.

Respite care may require overnight care for an extended period of time. It can also be used for emergency purposes. Regardless of the type of respite program utilized, the emphasis should be on orienting services toward the entire family. The most difficult problem for a family with a child or adult who has a disability is finding the quality of care and expertise required.

A family may be reluctant to use respite care and even question the need for support of this nature. Valdiviseso (1989) recommends families with adult and children with disabilities should ask themselves several questions to determine if respite services are necessary.

The benefits of respite care are numerous, but not always immediately visible. Respite care not only provides caregivers with a break but also give the family member with a change in routine. It helps the child, youth or adult build new relationships and offers an opportunity to move towards independence.

How can a family obtain respite care?

This can be obtained through community programs and agencies or by an individual working independently. In most cases funding is available on a sliding scale dependent upon income levels of the family. In other instances, respite care is fully funded with a limitation of hours available for family use. To find out whether or not funding is available to your family and the conditions to access these funds, contact your local government or Public Health Unit for assistance.

In either case it is important to know that the individual providing respite care to your family is the RIGHT person to meet your family’s specific needs. Important steps to take when finding respite care for your family include:

• Knowing what you need.
• Finding the person in your community, using your resources.
• Interviewing to find the RIGHT person.
• Following up by checking credentials.
• Contracting for success.

Caring for a family member with disabilities or severe health problems can be a full-time job. It is easy to become overwhelmed with the care needs of a family member with a disability or chronic illness. Often, families who would not hesitate to call for relief for their typical responsibilities associated with family members hesitate to call for relief from the care of family members with a disability or special health care need. That is why respite, as the word implies, is truly an interval of rest. Respite can be your answer to renewed energies and a new perspective.

To assist you with your search for respite care find visit our care availability CARE FINDER

Top

Home | About Us | Find Care | Caregivers | Membership | Your Store

Site designed, maintained and hosted by Sunergon Information Services