When parents learn that their child has a disability or special medical need, they embark on a lifelong journey of adjustment. In-home programs provide services to children in their own homes, with or without the presence of family or caregivers. Some families use a temporary worker to care for their children with special needs at home, so they can focus on their other children. Out-of-home respite services include a wide range of options, such as providing care in a neighbor's or family member's home, staying in a community residential home, or short-term hospitalization.
Respite care is essential for providing temporary relief to the primary caregiver, allowing them to take a much-needed break from the demands of caring for a sick, elderly, or disabled family member. However, there are still few empirical studies that examine the effectiveness of respite programs, the factors that influence their effectiveness, and the economic benefits of providing an accessible, flexible and coordinated respite service system. It is important for families to understand their needs and select the right type of respite care and provider. The California Department of Education maintains a network of resources and referrals on child care for information on affordable, accessible, and quality day care in your area. Rimmerman (1988) used a cohort design and compared mothers of children with developmental disabilities who participated in a home respite program with a comparative group of mothers who also needed respite services but did not have access to them in their community. Foster care may involve finding volunteers or paid caregivers to provide home services to your loved one, either on an occasional or regular basis.
If you seek respite services on time and often, you'll be better able to maintain interests outside the care of your loved one and preserve your own identity. Use checklists to inform foster care providers about your loved one's schedules, likes, and dislikes. Families want access to a wide variety of respite care options that can meet the individual needs of their children and family members. Preferably, adopted children will spend time off with a family they know or have their adopted child visit the foster family beforehand. The county foster agency has a responsibility to make a diligent effort to place children with special needs in foster homes that have a higher level of skill, training and certification. Establishing the type, skills, frequency, and location of respite services is critical to ensure that you receive the right support and that your loved one continues to receive the best care.
Learning how other families cope can give you new options and ways to cope. Building relationships with other trustworthy caregivers can also provide an opportunity to exchange relief services. And when siblings can't or won't share the burden, peer support can be invaluable.
