For Caregivers
Selecting Respite Care Providers
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Respite Care is temporary, short–term relief from caregiving for a parent, child, or other individual who has special circumstances or special needs that require ongoing care. Special needs are considered to be disability, or any chronic or terminal physical, emotional, or mental health condition requiring ongoing care and supervision, including Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, developmental disabilities, and special medical needs particular to children. Special needs include short-term relief in crisis situations to families or caregivers where there is potential for abuse, neglect, or domestic violence. This system of providing respite is known as “Lifespan Respite” in other states. Respite can be provided in community settings or in a person’s home.
Who To Call When You Are Looking For Respite Services
Caregivers or family members who provide on-going assistance or support to a child, youth, or adult who is unable to maintain his or her own health and well-being can seek respite services for assistance. There are in-home and community-based services available that can provide a needed "time out" for caregivers. Because caregiving can become overwhelming and some programs may have waiting lists, it is a good idea to become familiar with the respite and caregiver assistance programs in your community before you need them. General Respite Information Social service agencies that serve the public may have information about respite care for the groups they serve. In addition, they may provide respite care or maintain lists of respite workers. They may also offer assistance locating respite care or help find funding for services. If you are seeking respite for a person from a specific ethnic or cultural group, the agencies that serve these groups are an important contact in your search for respite care. Many health organizations dedicated to a specific disease or disability, such as the Multiple Sclerosis Association, Alzheimer's Association, and Down Syndrome Association, can provide services, information, and assistance to caregivers. Most offer educational materials, classes, information, and support groups. Some may also provide special services like counseling and case management, respite care or transportation. In some instances, these organizations may provide assistance and services not available any other place. They are "experts" for the disability or disease populations they serve and can provide specialized information about where to find and how to choose respite care and other services caregivers may need. Some organizations may provide money or grants for services, including respite care. Contacting the health organization associated with your relative’s illness or disability may be a helpful first step. Senior centers, hospitals, community centers, and family resource centers also provide assistance to caregivers and may be a resource when you are seeking respite care. They may have social workers or care managers who will provide resource information or coordination of services. They may also offer transportation, education programs, legal and insurance advisors, counseling, and support groups. It is a good idea to contact the senior, community, or family resource center nearest you to check out their services for caregivers.
When arranging for services, it is useful to have the following information on hand: • Age of care recipient • Social Security number, telephone number and address of person needing services • Information about income and financial resources • Health insurance; name and telephone number of physician • Nature of illness or disability and supervision needs • How much and what kind of help is needed • What services are currently being used and who is providing them • Ability to pay for care or the need for subsidized services Caregivers are often asked for the same information over and over again when contacting health and social service agencies for assistance. It is helpful to compile a notebook where important personal information, phone numbers, documents, and notes are kept. The following is a list of helpful information to include in your notebook: • Pertinent medical, legal, and financial information • Social security number • Powers of attorney • Insurance policy information • Health providers • List of medications To ensure that the respite worker or day health provider has all the information they need to provide good care to your family member, also document medication schedules, daily routines, and personal care needs – and be sure to include any special preferences.
State-Based Rsepite Services
Information About Washington State Agencies Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) The Department of Social and Health Services administers a family of programs that embody the high priority Washington citizens place on taking care of each other. These programs are housed in a single agency because the majority of people who use them have multiple needs, and require services from multiple programs. Different DSHS administrations and programs may provide respite for caregivers of children or adults who meet the eligibility requirements. Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) Respite services, through the DSHS Children’s Administration are only available to licensed foster parents and relative caregivers that are caring for children (birth through 18 years), placed in the caregiver’s home through the Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS). Children with open, active cases with Child Protective Services (CPS), Child Welfare Services (CWS) or Family Reconciliation Services (FRS) may be eligible to receive respite care services. Respite services are determined on a case-by-case basis and are part of the child’s case plan. To determine if your child is eligible for respite care services, contact the assigned DCFS social worker. Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Individuals must be evaluated and meet eligibility criteria for respite services through DDD. To determine if your loved one is eligible for respite services through DDD, contact the assigned Case/Resource Manager or contact your local DDD office (206) 568-5634 for an appointment with intake to determine eligibility. Aging and Disability Services Administration (ADSA) Respite care services are defined as relief care to enable unpaid family or other caregivers (providing continuous care or supervision for an adult 18 years and older with a functional disability) to be temporarily relieved from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite services may also be available on a limited basis to grandparents and relatives, 60 years and older, who are raising a child through the Family Caregiver Support Program. Contracted respite staff can provide all levels of care from supervision, to personal care, to nursing services. In-home and out-of-home respite care is available. Both state and federal funding provides support for respite care services. Respite services are administered by the 13 Area Agencies on Aging throughout the state. A standard process is used to screen eligibility and for assessing the needs of both the caregiver and the care receiver. A sliding fee scale based on the care recipient’s monthly income is utilized to determine the share of cost for the respite care services. There is no charge for services if the care recipient’s monthly income is below 40 percent of the State Median Income. To find the Respite Care or the Family Caregiver Support Program closest to you, contact your local Senior Information and Assistance office.
Locate Respite Services in Your State
ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center
Call to find local respite providers.
(800) 473-1727
Description of Respite Services Home Care Agency Workers Agencies provide workers who can perform in-home duties, ranging from simple companionship, to supervision, to skilled nursing care. Fees for service are by the hour and usually there are a minimum number of hours per visit (typically 2-4 hours). Using a home care agency relieves the caregiver of screening and hiring responsibilities, and also of completing payroll and taxes. Before assigning a worker, most agencies send a nurse or social worker to your home to assess the needs of the care recipient. In the case of worker illness or unavailability, the agency should provide a replacement and is responsible for supervision of the worker or assisting if problems arise. Most agencies require that workers are licensed or bonded. Hiring On Your Own Respite Provider Hiring a caregiver privately may be less expensive than using an agency, but it is also more complicated. The individual or family becomes the worker’s employer and assumes responsibility for paying wages and meeting IRS tax reporting requirements. . The caregiver is also responsible for all supervision as well as disciplinary action if conflict should arise. In the event of worker illness, or if the situation does not work out, the caregiver is responsible for finding a replacement. Before hiring a worker privately, it's important to assess their knowledge and skill for the type of assistance you need. It is also important to complete a thorough reference and background criminal history check on any worker you hire. Caregiver Registries Some organizations maintain lists of persons who are seeking home care work. These organizations may screen and check the references of workers, or they may simply list names of persons seeking work. Registries may provide some training to the worker and may also provide assistance to the caregiver with the hiring process. However, once selection is made, the caregiver is responsible for ongoing monitoring of care. Whether you use an agency or hire on your own, it’s a good idea to develop a job description with specific information about the expected tasks and schedule for their completion. Some caregivers assemble a "care-book" to share with in-home workers that includes information about the person’s needs and preferences, life story, medications, and daily routines. Volunteer Services Some non-profit and faith-based organizations sponsor volunteer home services to older persons and to individuals with disabilities and their families. They most often assist individuals and families with limited or fixed-incomes and those not eligible for government or other social services. These programs recruit, train, and provide support to a pool of volunteers who can assist in the home for a few hours a week. Services offered vary, but can include respite care, light housekeeping, transportation, or yard work. Volunteer programs often have waiting lists, so it’s good to call well in advance. Adult Day Programs There are special respite programs for people who have physical or cognitive disabilities. Some programs meet once or twice a week and provide social and recreational activities for participants, as well as respite for caregivers. Other programs are open 8 hours a day, 5-7 days a week and provide a full range of health, recreational, and social work services. Fees vary and financial assistance may be available for persons with low or fixed incomes. Day services have benefits for both the caregiver and the individuals needing care.. Many offer individualized social and activity programs designed to appeal to people at different levels of ability. Some programs may offer transportation and support groups. For working caregivers, day services may be a cost-effective alternative to home care, and one that allows the family to avoid out-of-home placement. Before choosing day services, visit the programs nearest you and talk to them about the services they offer. As with home care, it’s a good idea to develop a "care book" that includes vital information about your family member. For lists of adult day programs contact Senior Information and Assistance or Washington Adult Day Services Association (WADSA) at 206-461-3899. Residential Respite Care Some nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities offer residential respite care or “short stays”. Residential services are offered on a case-by-case basis and dependent upon available space. The length of time allowed for a respite stay varies from facility to facility, but may range from three days to two weeks. Most facilities require a complete assessment before accepting a short-term resident. Fees vary widely for residential services, but expect to pay between $75 and $250 per day. It is important to visit the facility in advance and to check with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman at (206) 623-0816 for information about the facility. Government Sponsored Long-Term Care and Respite Programs Seattle-King County Aging and Disability Services sponsors a respite program that offers services at no cost or on a sliding fee scale to eligible persons who reside in King County. Services are usually provided for four hours once or twice a week, and people have the option to receive respite in their homes or at a day program.
A senior or a person with a disability who meets financial and medical eligibility requirements may also be eligible to receive home care, day care, or residential care services through the COPES or Medicaid Personal Care programs sponsored by the Home and Community Services Division of the Aging and Disability Services Administration, DSHS. Contact Senior Information and Assistance, toll-free, at 1 (888) 435-3377 for information, pre-screening, and a referral to the Aging and Disability Seattle-King County Respite Program and the COPES/Medicaid Personal Care Programs. You may also call DSHS directly to apply for COPES/MPC programs at 1 (800) 346-9257. Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) Individuals must be evaluated and meet eligibility requirements to receive services through DDD. If you are caring for an individual with a developmental disability who receives DDD services and you are interested in respite care services you can contact the DDD Case/Resource Manager assigned to work with the individual you are caring for. If you have questions about eligibility you can contact DDD at (206) 568-5634 for more information. Crisis Nurseries Crisis Nurseries provide temporary, emergency childcare at no charge. The voluntary nature of these programs has been developed as a way to help strengthen families with young children, thereby preventing possible abuse and neglect. In today’s often disconnected and busy world, families face multiple stressors and frequently lack necessary family involvement. Crisis Nurseries play an increasingly important role especially for vulnerable children whose parents face stressors such as unemployment, chemical abuse, domestic violence and/or lack of consistent support. Crisis Nurseries are either center-based or community-based; i.e., caring for children at one location or within licensed childcare providers’ homes in the community. In addition, Crisis Nurseries provide 24-hour crisis counseling and case management services, along with 24-hour emergency respite care for families in need.