How to Get Respite Care

Being a primary caregiver is one of the most demanding and important roles anyone can take on. You give your all every day, but it’s easy to forget that your well-being is just as crucial as your adult child’s. If you’re feeling stretched thin, know that seeking support is a necessary step to sustain the quality of care you provide. Respite care is that lifeline, offering you a vital chance to rest, recharge, and prevent burnout.

Navigating how to get respite care can feel like another task on an already full plate, but it comes down to three simple steps. Start by identifying your specific support needs, checking your eligibility for funding through programs like the NC Innovations Waiver, and vetting local providers to find the best match for your adult child. We break this down even further below.

A Practical Guide to Finding Respite Care

Finding the right support starts with understanding your specific needs and knowing where to look. The process involves matching a provider’s skills with your family’s unique situation, especially when looking for a caregiver for an autistic child or someone with complex needs.

Step 1: Define Your Needs

First, clarify what kind of support you require. Are you looking for a few hours a week to run errands, or do you need overnight care for a weekend? Consider the level of care needed. Do you need a home health aide for an autistic child with experience in behavioral support, or someone to provide companionship and assistance with daily tasks? Answering these questions helps narrow your search to the most suitable options.

Step 2: Explore Funding Options

Cost is a significant consideration for many families. Fortunately, several avenues can help fund in-home services for autism and other specialized care. Many states offer Medicaid waiver programs that cover respite services. 

Step 3: Find and Vet Providers

Once you know your needs and potential funding, you can start searching for providers. Begin by contacting local agencies specializing in home care for a child with special needs. When you connect with potential providers, ask specific questions about their experience, training, and approach to care. For example, inquire about their strategies for managing sensory needs or their experience with non-verbal communication.

Restoring Balance to Your Life

This is a journey toward finding a partner in care. You want someone who enriches your adult child’s life while supporting your own well-being. Look for comprehensive services designed to support you and your family. Taking this step is a powerful act of care for both you and your family. To learn more about creating a supportive environment, download our free Supported Living Guide.

Questions Families Ask About Getting Respite Care

How do I get respite care?

Work through three steps:

1. Define your needs.
2. Explore funding options.
3. Find and vet providers.

Starting with your needs keeps the search focused and makes every provider conversation more productive.

How do I decide how much respite care I need?

Start with the length and frequency of the break. Do you need a few hours a week to run errands, or overnight care for a weekend? Then consider your loved one’s care needs, daily routines, and whether they are most comfortable at home or in a group setting.

What funding options help pay for respite care?

Several avenues can help fund respite and in-home services. Medicaid waiver programs cover respite services, including the NC Innovations Waiver, and NC Medicaid 1915(i) services are another route. Ask each provider which funding sources they accept before you commit.

Who qualifies for respite through the NC Innovations Waiver?

Eligibility requires a qualifying diagnosis, such as an intellectual disability or a related condition, NC Medicaid enrollment, an ICF-IID level of care, and Tailored Plan enrollment. Not sure whether your family qualifies? Our team can help you navigate the process. See the NC Innovations Waiver guide.

What is the difference between the Innovations Waiver and 1915(i) services?

The Innovations Waiver is a 1915(c) Medicaid waiver with a limited number of slots, a county-level waitlist, and an institutional level of care requirement. NC Medicaid 1915(i) services support individuals with IDD, behavioral health needs, or TBI, with no waitlist and no institutional level of care requirement. Both run through NC Medicaid Tailored Plans, and using 1915(i) services while you wait does not change your waitlist position.

How do I find and vet respite providers?

Contact local agencies, speak with more than one provider, and ask for references. Compare experience, training, and care approach, then choose the partner who makes both you and your adult child feel respected.

What questions should I ask a respite provider?

Ask about fit as well as credentials:

• What experience do you have supporting adults with IDD?
• What training do your caregivers receive?
• How do you approach care and communication?
• How do you match caregivers to families?
• How do you handle changes in routine or emergencies?

How can a case manager help me get respite care?

Case managers develop an Individual Support Plan (ISP), coordinate Medicaid and waiver services, and connect families with providers. Covenant Case Management Services provides CARF-accredited case management for individuals with IDD and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) across North Carolina.

Can respite care also benefit my adult child?

Yes. The right provider enriches your adult child’s life while supporting your well-being. Covenant GracePause includes recreational activities and companionship alongside personal care, medication reminders, and meal preparation, so time away from you is time well spent.

How do I get started with Covenant GracePause?

Call (704) 780-4552 or contact our team. If you are ready to begin, enroll for service for Covenant GracePause. Not sure whether your family qualifies? Our team can help you navigate the process and identify the right services. You can also download our free Supported Living Guide for expert insights and next steps.