What Is Respite Care & Why Is It Important
Foster parents, professional parents, family members, and caregivers experience unique challenges when supporting foster children and individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD). A weekend away or even a short break can help recharge caregivers. Respite care is a valuable solution that RISE Services, Inc. offers. Let’s take a look at what respite care is and why it is essential for professional foster parents and caregivers of individuals with I/DD.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is part-time, substitute care for foster children or individuals with I/DD when professional parents, foster parents, or caregivers need to travel, take time away, or spend undistracted time together. It allows caregivers to rest and recharge while their loved ones or foster children are cared for in safe, family-friendly environments. They can enjoy their time away reassured that their family members are well-cared for.
How Does It Work?
Respite foster care parents must be licensed in the same way as full-time foster parents. Our licensing workers help respite care parents through the process, making it as simple as possible. Respite host homes receive ongoing support, various tools and resources, and 24/7 emergency assistance from our caring and highly-trained host home professionals.
Why Is It Important?
There are benefits for caregivers, individuals with I/DD, and foster children who need a secure and compassionate respite care space to stay while their caregivers are away.
Benefits for caregivers include:
- Short-term rest
- Improved mental health
- Reduced stress and irritability
- Social time with friends
- Strengthened relationships
- Vital time for themselves
- Reduced risk of burnout
Benefits for those being cared for:
- Care by trustworthy professional parents
- Change of scenery and routine
- Time away from their caregiver
- Decreased guilty feelings of “being a burden”
- Social time with others
Become a Respite Care Parent with RISE
If you are interested in foster parenting but aren’t ready to make that commitment, respite care may be right for you. Contact us today to get started, or learn more about respite care, host homes, foster parenting, or professional parenting by visiting one of our state websites.
Source: “The Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers.” Web article. The Fremantle Trust. Web. 10 Mar. 2024.
