We bring cost effective and different types of care
California Regional Center Respite Services
Giving Families the Support They Deserve
Caring for a loved one with a developmental disability is both rewarding and demanding. Parents and caregivers often dedicate their lives to providing the best care possible, but even the most devoted caregivers need a break. That’s where respite services come in—offering families a chance to rest, recharge, and take care of their own well-being while knowing their loved one is in good hands.
What Are Respite Services?
Respite care provides temporary relief for caregivers by offering short-term care for individuals with developmental disabilities. Whether it’s for a few hours during the day or an overnight stay, these services allow caregivers to take a step back while ensuring their loved one continues to receive quality care in a safe environment.
SERVICES
Why Is Respite Care Important?
Gives parents and caregivers a much-needed break
Helps reduce stress and prevent burnout
Allows caregivers to run errands, rest, or spend time with other family members
Ensures that individuals with disabilities receive support from trained professionals
Try Together
We Care
SERVICES
Who Qualifies for Respite Services?
Respite care is available to families who are clients of a California Regional Center and care for a loved one with a developmental disability. This includes individuals diagnosed with:
Autism
Cerebral palsy
Epilepsy
Intellectual disabilities
Other conditions that require lifelong support
If you’re already connected with a Regional Center, your case manager can help determine how many respite hoursyour family qualifies for.
Types of Respite Care Available
Every family’s needs are different, so there are different respite options to choose from:
In-Home Respite Care
▪ A trained caregiver comes to your home
▪ Provides supervision and basic care while you take a break
▪ Provides supervision and basic care while you take a break
Out-of-Home Respite Care
▪ Care is provided outside the home in a licensed facility or group home
▪ Can include overnight stays if needed
▪ Can include overnight stays if needed
Agency-Provided Respite
▪ The Regional Center connects families with a professional respite care agency
▪ Families are matched with trained caregivers who specialize in developmental disabilities
▪ Families are matched with trained caregivers who specialize in developmental disabilities
(Voucher Program)
Parent-Choice Respite
▪ Families can choose their own respite caregiver (such as a trusted friend or relative)
▪ The caregiver must meet Regional Center requirements and complete necessary paperwork
▪ The caregiver must meet Regional Center requirements and complete necessary paperwork
How to Apply for Respite Services
If you’re interested in receiving respite services, here’s how you can get started:
Step 1:
Connect with Your Regional Center
- If you're not already a client, contact your local California Regional Center to start the intake process. You can find your nearest center here:
- https://www.dds.ca.gov/rc/
Step 2:
Request Respite Services
- Talk to your Service Coordinator about your caregiving needs
- They will assess how much support your family requires
Step 3:
Service Plan Approval
- Respite hours are included in your loved one’s Individual Program Plan (IPP)
- Once approved, you can start receiving respite care through an agency or a provider of your choice
How Much Does It Cost?
Good news — respite services are free for eligible families! California Regional Centers cover the cost, although some families may be asked to provide insurance or Medi-Cal details. In rare cases, a small co-payment may be required based on income.
Why Respite Care Matters
Taking care of someone with a developmental disability is a full-time job, and no one should have to do it alone. Respite care gives families the time to rest and recharge, while also providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to interact with trained caregivers.
If you or someone you know could benefit from Regional Center Respite Services, don’t hesitate to reach out. Help is available—you just have to ask!
Would you like assistance finding your nearest Regional Center or learning more about how to apply?
