Respite Care for Children in Group Homes

Respite care is a type of care that is available for people who suffer from a debilitating illness and for those who have a mental or physical disability. This care is also meant to be a service to the patient's primary caregivers. Respite care can be given in or outside of the home.

Life Skills

• Often respite care in group homes is offered for a short duration of time such as a weekend or even a week. Respite care in these situations is meant to teach the child life skills that can help the child to gain a level of independence. These skills vary from communication skills to even basic skills such as cleaning and feeding oneself. The skills that are taught are specific to each child and that child's needs. Respite care not only helps a child to gain independence and confidence, but it allows a portion of the responsibility to be lifted from the primary caregiver's shoulders.

Social Opportunities

• In group homes, children are able to socialize with other children who also have similar conditions. This helps to foster community between the children, allowing them to form positive relationships outside of the family. This is also a valuable opportunity for the child to be cared for by professionals who specialize in this area. Specialists are sometimes better able to relate or understand the difficulties both physically and emotionally with which the patient may be confronted.

Payment Options

• Depending on which state you reside in, there may be programs or waivers for low-income families. This makes it possible for most children with disabilities to have access to some type of respite care group home program. Programs such as those in place in Oklahoma offer $300-$400 quarterly to help the family finance respite care services.

Family Benefits

• Group home respite care is valuable as it allows the family to take a break from the additional stress that a caregiver role brings. Some families take the time during which their child is in respite care to relax or even work additional hours. Parents that double as the caregiver are forced to compromise work and personal hours in order to dedicate time to the child. This lack of control and stability can cause the parents added stress, anxiety and even depression, which is detrimental for the entire family.