What is Respite Care?

Respite, a break for caregivers and families, is a service in which temporary care is provided to children or adults with disabilities, or chronic or terminal illnesses, and to children at risk of abuse and neglect. Respite care can occur in out-of-home and in-home settings for any length of time, depending on the needs of the family and available resources.

Benefits of Respite Care:

In addition to providing direct relief, respite has added benefits for families:

• Respite gives families peace of mind, helps them relax, and renews their humor and their energy.

• Respite allows families to enjoy favorite pastimes and pursue new activities.

• Respite improves the family’s ability to cope with daily responsibilities and maintain stability during a crisis.

• Respite helps preserve the family unit and lessens the pressures that might lead to institutionalization, divorce, neglect, and child abuse.

• Respite allows families to become involved in community activities and to feel less isolated.

• Time Off. Respite allows families to spend time together and alone.

• Respite makes it possible for family members to establish individual identities and enrich their own growth and development.

Finding someone qualified to care for your loved one can be overwhelming. The care of a family member with multiple and severe physical disabilities is a 24-hour-a-day commitment. Most often respite care takes place in the family’s own home where professional caregivers provide an opportunity for parents to have some time to themselves to shop, to visit the dentist or doctor, or to spend time with other children or a spouse.

Respite Care Resources:

The Respite Care Association of Wisconsin is an excellent resource for those seeking information relating to respite care, respite care-related grants, and various other resources like respite caregiver registries, programs, events, and training related to respite care.