MHDD Services for Children and Youth

Respite Services

Respite is temporary relief for caregivers and families. It is a short-term, temporary break for the primary caregiver of children needing constant care to enable the primary caregiver to continue giving quality care after the break. Respite care is vitally important in preventing parental burnout, maintaining the integrity of the nuclear family, and for emergencies which threaten the family structure.

Respite is essential to maintaining quality of life for families and is often referred to as the gift of time. Respite gives relief to families and caregivers from the extraordinary and intensive demands of providing ongoing care. Respite helps keep families together, healthier, happier, and more productive by helping them find time to get away and reduce stress related to constant caregiving.

Parents of a child with a disability can experience isolation, frustration, and depression when they cannot get an occasional break from constant caregiving. Families who have children with special health care/emotional needs and disabilities need time away to refresh and re-energize themselves or to take care or personal business. By providing respite care, stress will be reduced, and families will be more likely to be able to continue to care for their children with disabilities.

For further information on Respite Services associated with the TDMHDD Childern & Youth Services, please contact Louise Barnes, Ph.D.