What is respite care for autism?
The Importance of Respite Care for Autism.
Being a full-time caregiver to someone with autism can be very rewarding but also very demanding. It is easy for unpaid family members that are the caregivers to become mentally and physically exhausted, without space or time to take care of themselves. This is where respite care comes in. Respite care for those with autism is essential so that the primary caregiver can tend to their own needs and foster a sustainable situation. Respite care creates the necessary space to 'recharge' and avoid caregiver burnout.
What respite care for Autism services are available?
There are three types of respite that an individual with autism and their family might consider using:
In-home respite care.
Professional caregivers with autism experience can come to the home to provide care, supervision and support for the individual with autism while the family caregiver(s) take a break. A stable and predictable environment is important for many individuals with autism and for them, in-home respite care has the advantage that they stays in familiar surroundings and can keep their normal routines through the respite period. Look for in-home caregivers that have undertaken additional training in ASD such as Certified Autism Specialist (CAS) or have certifications from the Autism Certification Center (ACC) .
Community based respite care.
Community based respite care uses local and community resources to provide respite services for those with ASD. These include after-school programs, specialized day camps, or day centers offering recreational activites designed for individuals with autism. These can work very well, especially if the same activities become part of a weekly routine.
Temporary residential respite care.
Typically offered at a residential facility for autism, overnight or weekend respite care away from the home provides a longer duration of relief to the family caregivers. Such facilities usually have trained staff with experience caring for people with ASD. Anxiety and cognitive disruption from a change in surroundings are minimized by providing a structured and consistent environment and often specialized support services, therapies and interventions are part of the respite care. Out-of-home care services work well for Autistic patients that require more specialized care or have high medical needs.
For finding out-of-home respite care, ARCH National Network and Resource Center connects families to resources as well as respite care advocacy. It can be used by families to find information and for assistance in obtaining out-of-home respite care in their own community.
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How much does respite care for autism cost?
The cost of autism respite care will depend on the type of care needed, as well as the frequency and duration of respite periods. The national average hourly rate for in-home respite care providers is $26 per hour when caring for patients with special needs such as ASD. In-home care providers are generally paid hourly, and both experience and qualifications can impact their rate.
Residential respite facilities often have a daily and weekly rate which can vary significantly depending on the facility, the level of care provided, the amenities offered, and any additional services required. Nationally, they can range from $200 to $600 per day.
Finding and Affording Respite Care for Autism.
At the federal level, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers autism a disability that meets eligibility for disability benefits. At the state level, parents who have been deemed caregivers are granted a specific number of paid hours every month so their child can remain safely in their own home, as it is considered an alternative to out-of-home care such as board and care facilities. It is recognized by these state programs that autism respite care is essential and benefits both those with autism and their caregivers. Every state offers differing waivers and self-directed programs that assist in finding, as well as affording, respite care for those with autism. Home-based waivers can help cover at least some of the cost of respite care. The waiver will either cover the cost upfront or provide you with reimbursement for out-of-pocket costs that you incur.
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