What is Respite Care? “Respite” refers to short term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities in order that their families can take a break from the daily routine of care-giving. Unlike child care, respite services may sometimes involve overnight care for an extended period of time. Respite care enables Army Families to take vacations, or just a few hours of time off. Respite is often referred to as “a gift of time.”
What is the Respite Care Network?
Each U.S. Army Installation has an Exceptional Family Member Program Manager (EFMP). The EFMP Manager works with Alignstaffing’s Respite Care Network (RCN) to assist qualified Families in securing quality Respite Care Providers (RCP). If the Family already has an Immediate Family Member RCP, services will continue and the Sponsor signs the necessary documents. If the Family has an existing RCP, the RCN will work to maintain continuity of respite care while the RCP meets credentialing requirements. Services are provided in many ways depending on the provider, the needs of the Family and available funds. The two primary categories of respite include in-home and out-of-home services. All respite care services are provided in the home of the Family member or in an approved facility described below.
Out-of-Home Respite
- Other Facilities: Army regulations permit out of home respite care services to be provided in a residential building, government facility or hospital based setting.
- Camps: Camp can be a positive experience for a child with special needs or other disabilities, as well as the parent/s. Contact the RCN about accessing both day and overnight camps.
Who is eligible for respite care services?
All active duty Sponsors and with children and adult Family members who have been identified with a disability and/or special needs are mandated to enroll in the EFMP. Once the Family is enrolled in the EFMP, the EFMP Manager will contact RCN to request respite care services.
How do Families obtain services?
The Family contacts the EFMP Manager and elects to retain their existing RCP. The RCP and completes the RCP Information Form and faxes the form to RCN. This form begins the application process for the RCP. The Family will also be responsible for completing any documentation by the EFMP. Upon completion of these documents, the EFMP Manager faxes to RCN and service request can be met.
What is required from the RCP?
- The RCP that is selected by their Family member is defined as an “Immediate Family Member” RCP. The RCP is not required to meet the credentialing process, but the Sponsor must sign a “Waiver” document.
- The RCP that is selected by the Family as a neighbor, friend or other family member, has to complete employment and credentialing requirements. For a short period of time the RCP is granted a “Waiver” for 30 working days to meet these requirements.
How do families benefit from respite services? More than providing direct relief, the benefits of respite care can also include:
- Relaxation: Families can relax, gain peace of mind and renew their humor and energy.
- Enjoyment: Families can enjoy favorite pastimes and pursue new activities.
- Stability: Respite can improve the Family’s ability to cope with daily responsibilities and maintain stability during crisis.
- Preservation: Respite helps preserve the Family’s unit and lessens the pressures that might lead to institutionalization, divorce, neglect and child abuse.
- Involvement: Families can become involved in community activities and be less isolated.
- Time Off: Families can take that needed vacation, spend time together and time alone.
What do you need to know when seeking respite services in your community?
Some questions you may want to ask yourself when considering respite services include:
- What kind of services do I need? (long or short-term or both, and why?)
- Do I prefer services in my home or an outside setting?
- Does the agency provide the type of services I need?
- What is the cost of services? How is payment arranged?
- What is the training and level of experience of the respite care providers?
- Will they need additional training to meet specific Family needs?
- How, and by whom, are the care providers supervised?
- What happens during the time the children are receiving services?
- Are there organized activities? How are the meals handled?
- Does the program maintain current information about each child’s medical and other needs?
- Is there a written care plan?
- What procedures does the program have for emergencies?
- Can parents meet and interview the people who care for the children?
- How far ahead of time do parents need to call to arrange for services?
- Are Families limited to a certain number of hours of services?
- Does the program provide transportation?
- Can the provider take care of siblings as well?