Caring for a loved one with a developmental disability is a labor of love \u2014 and it’s also constant. You’re responsible for their care around the clock, and it’s easy to reach a point where you have nothing left for yourself. Respite care<\/strong> exists for exactly this reason: to give you a break, knowing your loved one is in good hands.<\/p>\n Respite is a short-term service that provides a trained person to supervise and care for your loved one for a period of time, so that you \u2014 the primary caregiver \u2014 can rest and recharge. The entire point of respite is the “break”: a chance to step away, run errands, attend to your own health, spend time with your other children, or simply breathe.<\/p>\n Respite care can be provided in your home or out in the community<\/strong>, and it’s designed to meet the person’s social, emotional, and physical needs during the respite period.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Caregiver exhaustion is real, and it isn’t a sign of weakness \u2014 it’s a sign of how much you’re carrying. Running on empty affects your health, your patience, and ultimately your ability to care for your loved one. Respite is one of the most practical tools available to protect your well-being so you can keep showing up for your family.<\/p>\n If you’re feeling stretched to the limit, you’re not alone. Our article on caregiver burnout<\/a> offers more strategies for protecting your own health.<\/p>\n Respite is available to individuals enrolled with DDD and approved for funding through the Arizona Long Term Care System (ALTCS)<\/strong>. Like other services, it’s authorized through your Person-Centered Service Plan (PCSP)<\/strong> based on an assessment your Support Coordinator completes with your family.<\/p>\n If you’re still working through the basics, see our guides on applying for DDD<\/a> and how ALTCS works<\/a>.<\/p>\n Respite is typically authorized up to an annual limit, and the amount is set through your planning process. Because these limits and the way hours are assessed can change, ask your Support Coordinator for the current respite allowance<\/strong> and how it applies to your situation. Planning your respite hours thoughtfully across the year helps you make the most of them \u2014 you might save some for a family event, a medical appointment, or a stretch when you know you’ll need extra support.<\/p>\n Respite is delivered by trained providers through a DDD-registered agency. And here’s a detail many families appreciate: you can often bring on someone you already know and trust \u2014 a relative, family friend, or other caregiver \u2014 to be hired and trained as your respite provider through an agency, as long as they meet the training and background requirements. This means your loved one can be cared for by a familiar face while you take your break.<\/p>\n A few tips from families who’ve been there:<\/p>\nWhat Is Respite Care?<\/h2>\n
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Why Respite Matters<\/h2>\n
Who Qualifies for Respite?<\/h2>\n
How Respite Hours Work<\/h2>\n
Who Provides Respite Care?<\/h2>\n
Making the Most of Respite<\/h2>\n
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Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n