How to Apply for Respite Care in North Carolina

Respite care gives family caregivers a planned, temporary break while their adult child or family member with IDD receives safe, competent support. If you’re a caregiver in North Carolina, this page walks you through eligibility, funding options, the application process, and what to expect.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is short-term, planned or emergency care that gives unpaid family caregivers a break while their loved one is safely supported. It’s designed for caregivers who need rest, time for medical appointments, or relief during an emergency — without compromising the care their adult child receives.

Respite care responsibilities typically include:

• Supervision and safety monitoring
• Personal care assistance and meals
• Community outings and activities
• Following established routines, behavior plans, and communication strategies

Who Qualifies for Respite Care in North Carolina?

Eligibility varies by program, but most NC respite funding pathways require the following:

• The caregiver is an unpaid family member or informal caregiver
• The individual receiving care has a documented disability diagnosis
• The caregiver is a North Carolina resident, age 18 or older
• Neither the caregiver nor the care recipient is currently receiving ongoing, publicly funded in-home services or other respite care — though those on waiting lists for these services are still eligible.

Families already enrolled in the NC Innovations Waiver may access respite as part of their person-centered plan. Respite through the Innovations Waiver provides short-term relief for unpaid caregivers so families can rest or attend to other responsibilities.ities.

How to Apply for Respite Care in North Carolina: Step by Step

Step 1: Get a Professional Referral

Start by contacting your local Department of Social Services, your county’s LME/MCO (Local Management Entity/Managed Care Organization), or a disability organization. Ask specifically about:

• The NC Lifespan Respite Program
• The NC Innovations Waiver
• 1915(i) state-funded services, which can bridge gaps while families wait for waiver enrollment

The professional organization or referring agency completes the online application on behalf of the family caregiver for the Lifespan Respite Program. You won’t do this step alone.

Step 2: Find an Approved Respite Provider

Ask your referring agency for a list of approved respite providers in your county. Options include in-home support workers and structured adult day programs that offer scheduled daytime care.

Provider availability varies significantly by region in North Carolina. Urban counties typically have more options; rural counties may have longer wait times for in-home workers, particularly on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Plan ahead.

Step 3: Complete the Assessment

You’ll share information about your adult child’s diagnosis, daily care needs, behaviors, and safety requirements. A care coordinator may schedule a home visit or intake meeting to understand your family’s situation before services begin.

Required documentation typically includes:

• Proof of disability diagnosis and age
• Medicaid or insurance information and basic ID
• Emergency contacts
• A written summary of daily care and supervision needs

Step 4: Schedule and Plan Your Respite Care

Work with your provider to set dates, times, and settings. Before services start, share your adult child’s routines, medical needs, calming strategies, and any critical care details the provider needs to know from day one.

Approved caregivers receive an award letter authorizing their respite expenditure. Voucher funds must be used within 90 days, and caregivers must submit all required paperwork within 14 days of the expiration date on the award letter.

Funding Options for Respite Care in NC

Program	Who It’s For	Key Detail
NC Lifespan Respite Program	Unpaid caregivers not already receiving public respite	Up to $750 reimbursement per calendar year
NC Innovations Waiver	Adults with IDD enrolled in Medicaid	Respite included as a covered service in the person-centered plan
1915(i) State-Funded Services	Individuals waiting for waiver enrollment	Can provide respite while families await Innovations Waiver approval
Private Pay	Any family	Direct payment to an approved provider

Frequently Asked Questions About Applying for Respite Care

How long does the application process take?
The timeline varies by program and county. The Lifespan Respite Program can move in a few weeks when funds are available. Innovations Waiver enrollment can take significantly longer due to the Registry of Unmet Needs waitlist. Start the process earlier than you think you need to.

Is respite care free in North Carolina?
Many families access respite through Medicaid waivers or state-funded programs at no out-of-pocket cost. The NC Lifespan Respite Program reimburses up to $750 per year. Families not eligible for public funding may pay privately.

Can I choose my own respite care worker?
Often yes. Caregivers may hire any respite provider they choose, as long as the individual meets program requirements. You can request a worker who fits your adult child’s personality, communication style, and care needs. Highcountryaging

Can I use respite care for emergency situations?
Yes. In urgent or emergent situations, a recipient may receive up to 128 units (32 hours) of service for an initial two-day pass-through before a formal LME/MCO authorization is required.

What can respite funds NOT be used for?
Lifespan Respite voucher funds cannot be used to pay for services already being received, to provide care so the caregiver can go to work, or to purchase housecleaning or yard work services

Covenant Case Management Services Can Help

Covenant Case Management Services provides respite care and supportive services for caregivers and adults with IDD across 56 North Carolina counties. Our team can help you identify the right funding pathway, navigate the application process, and connect with approved providers in your area.

Explore our IDD and disability services or download our Supported Living Guide to learn more about your options.