How Do I Put My Child in Respite Care?

Respite care is short-term, planned support from trained people so family caregivers can rest, work, attend appointments, or simply recharge. Your adult child continues to receive safe, person-centered support while you take a break. It can happen at home, in the community, or in a staffed home for a few nights. Covenant offers this through GracePause respite care.

Eligibility is based on an assessment of your adult child’s needs and their Medicaid coverage. In North Carolina, respite is typically authorized through the NC Innovations Waiver or through 1915(i) services, both managed through your local LME/MCO (find yours in the NCDHHS LME/MCO directory). Our Innovations Waiver family guide explains eligibility and the waitlist. A case manager can tell you which pathway fits your family and what documentation you will need.

Start by calling your LME/MCO or a case management agency and saying, “I would like information about respite care.” Before you call, jot down when you most need a break, how often, and what your adult child needs help with during those times. Learn how IDD and TBI case management works, then let the Covenant team walk you through each step. For an overview of how families access I/DD services statewide, see NCDHHS: Accessing I/DD Services. , or you can call (704) 780-4552.

For eligible individuals, yes. Respite can be an authorized service under the NC Innovations Waiver and 1915(i) services. The number of hours and the type of respite are set in your adult child’s person-centered plan based on assessed needs, so they vary from family to family. See the NC Medicaid Innovations Waiver services page for the official service definitions, and our 1915(i) family guide for a plain-language walkthrough. Your case manager can confirm what is currently authorized for your plan.

There are three common types. In-home respite brings a trained support professional to your home for a few hours or overnight. Community-based respite connects your adult child with activities and programs outside the home. Residential respite is a short stay in a staffed home. Many families use a mix. Learn more about GracePause respite care from Covenant.

Ask direct questions: How are staff trained and screened? What is the staffing ratio? How do you support medical needs, communication preferences, and anxiety or change in routine? What is your emergency plan, and how will you keep me updated? Look for accreditation, such as CARF, and visit in person when you can. Notice how your adult child responds to the space and the people.

Start small. Try a short visit or a few hours before an overnight stay. Share a one-page profile with favorite routines, comfort items, communication tips, and what helps when things get hard. Talk about what to expect in simple, positive language, and keep goodbyes calm and brief. Most families adjust the plan after the first try, and that is normal. To compare options beyond Covenant, the ARCH National Respite Locator lists respite programs by state.

Respite is designed to give caregivers a break, and it can be scheduled around your needs. Day programs offer ongoing, structured daytime activities that build skills, routine, and community connection, which also gives caregivers regular time for work or rest. Many families use both. See Covenant’s Day Program Guide for more.

Yes, and it does not mean you are doing anything wrong. Caregivers who rest are better able to keep caring well over the long term. Respite is a planned support for the whole family, not a step away from your adult child. If the feelings are heavy, your case manager and our caregiver resources are good places to find support.