Respite Is a Break for a Caregiver
"I'm a caregiver and I need to recharge!"
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Respite care services provide caregivers with a break from caregiving to recharge. Caregivers often use this break to spend time with other family members, address their own needs, or simply take some well-deserved time off. Respite may be planned in advance or used as unplanned emergency care, and can be used for temporary relief to family caregivers who are caring for any care recipient.
Respite benefits include:
- Improved family caregiver stress levels, which in turn benefits caregiver physical and emotional health
- Improved family well-being, dynamics, and stability
- Peace of mind in an emergency situation, as the caregiver knows they have somewhere to turn to if needed
- Reduced caregiver social isolation
In New Jersey, respite is available to caregivers in different ways that depend on the clinical and financial eligibility of the care recipient.
NJ Family Care (Medicaid)
Respite may be available to through your Managed Care Organization (MCO) as part of Medicaid, NJ Family Care (these include Medicaid Managed Long Term Services and Supports (MLTSS) and the Community Care waiver)
Statewide Respite Care Program
If eligible, the Statewide Respite Care Program offers a periodic break for caregivers through a sliding scale payment model. More information can be found at the following link: New Jersey Respite Care Brochure (English) New Jersey Respite Care Brochure (Spanish)
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC)
Jersey Assistance for Community Caregiving (JACC) can also offer respite services for caregivers if it is deemed a priority under the care recipient’s plan of care. More information can be found at the following link: JACC Brochure (English) JACC Brochure (Spanish)
Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program
The Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program is another option for caregivers of individuals with dementia or related disorders who would like to send their loved one to an Adult Day Center in order to enjoy a break. Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program Brochure (English) Alzheimer's Adult Day Services Program Brochure (Spanish)
Area Agencies on Aging
In some counties, the Aging & Disability Resource Connection/Area Agency on Aging (ADRC/AAA) offers respite through the Older Americans Act Title III E National Family Caregiver Support Program.
Veterans Affairs
Respite may also be available through Veterans Affairs for caregivers of veterans. This may be through the Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers (PCAFC) or through the Veteran’s Directed Care Program. More information can be found at the following links:
PerformCare NJ (Children's System of Care)
The Children's System of Care (CSOC) serves children and adolescents with emotional and behavioral health care challenges and their families; children with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families; and children with substance use challenges and their families in order to provide services based on the needs of the child and family in a family-centered, community-based environment.
Family Resource Network
The Family Resource Network works to promote services and supports for family caregivers of all kinds under the name Caregivers of New Jersey.