Respite Care
Maine Resources
NAMI Maine Family Respite Program - Assists families by providing certified providers to care for children with significant developmental delays and behavioral or emotional disorders, allowing caregivers to take a much-needed break.
Respite for ME: Family Caregiver Grants Pilot Program - Launched in fall 2022, this initiative offers $2,000 grants to family caregivers of individuals living with Alzheimer's Disease and related dementias, enabling access to respite care and other supportive services.
Southern Maine Agency on Aging – State Respite Care Program - Supports family caregivers of individuals with dementia by reimbursing some costs for respite services, allowing caregivers to take a break from their responsibilities.
Community Care – Family Respite Services - Connects families with trained caregivers who provide specialized support for children with higher needs, offering caregivers time to recharge.
Regional Resources
Connecticut
The Connecticut Statewide Respite Care Program - Supports caregivers of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. It offers up to $7,500 annually per family for services such as adult day care, home health aides, and short-term assisted living stays United Way of Connecticut. Additionally, the Department of Developmental Services operates Respite Centers providing 24-hour care during extended weekends, summer weeks, and school vacations in home-like environments.
Massachusetts
Rewarding Work - An online directory connecting individuals and families with workers providing respite, in-home, and community support services. Free subscriptions are available for those receiving Department of Developmental Services funding.
The Respite Innovations Grant Program - A two-year, $20 million initiative aimed at enhancing and expanding respite services through new models and strategies.
New Hampshire
The NH Family Caregiver Support Program - Offers services like in-home childcare and after-school programs for eligible grandparents and relatives raising children.
Community Bridges - Offers funds for families to arrange short-term breaks from daily caregiving responsibilities.
Vermont
The Bridge Program - Supports families of children and young adults under 22 with developmental disabilities by coordinating necessary services.
The Vermont Respite Support Program - Offers up to $1,000 for caregiver-arranged respite services.
The McClure Miller Respite House - Vermont’s only Medicare-certified inpatient hospice residence, providing a home-like environment for end-of-life care.
Age Well’s Caregiver Volunteer Respite Squad - Delivers free, personalized respite care services through trained volunteers.
Rhode Island
The CareBreaks Respite Services Program - Provides up to $3,800 annually to unpaid primary caregivers, offering in-home or out-of-home respite care services.
The Lifespan Respite Care Program - Offers planned or emergency care for individuals with special needs, providing temporary relief to family caregivers.
The Autism Project’s Respite Program - Serves Medicaid-eligible children under 21 with special healthcare needs, offering respite services to their families.
National Resources
Lifespan Respite Care Program (LRCP) - Established by Congress in 2006 and managed by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), the Lifespan Respite Care Program aims to enhance the quality and availability of respite services nationwide. It supports coordinated state systems that offer accessible, community-based respite care for individuals of all ages with disabilities or chronic conditions. The program focuses on expanding services, improving coordination, and addressing service gaps. As of 2025, LRCP has awarded grants to 38 states and the District of Columbia, funding initiatives like caregiver training, volunteer programs, and respite voucher systems.
Medicaid - Provides respite care through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers, which vary by state. Some states also offer respite under the Section 1915(i) Medicaid State Plan Option, allowing eligible individuals to receive services without a waiver. Additionally, self-directed Medicaid programs enable beneficiaries to allocate funds for respite care, including compensating family caregivers. While Original Medicare generally doesn't cover respite care, the Medicare Hospice Benefit includes up to five days of inpatient respite for hospice patients. Medicare Advantage plans may offer supplemental benefits like adult day services and in-home support .Arch Respite
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) - Offers respite care to eligible veterans, providing up to 30 days per year in home or community settings. The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers offers additional support to primary caregivers of veterans receiving home-based care. Military families can access respite services through TRICARE's Extended Care Health Option (ECHO) and the Exceptional Family Member Program (EFMP), which cater to dependents with special needs.
The ARCH National Respite Network & Resource Center - Maintains the National Respite Locator Service, assisting caregivers in finding local respite services tailored to their needs. ARCH also offers resources on planning for respite, selecting providers, and exploring funding options. Caregivers are encouraged to consult their state's Lifespan Respite Program or Respite Coalition, as well as local Area Agencies on Aging, for additional support.
Private and Nonprofit Funding Sources
HFC (formerly Hilarity for Charity) - Provides in-home care grants for families affected by Alzheimer's disease.
The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration - Offers Comstock Respite Grants to support caregivers.
The National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD) - Provides up to $500 annually for caregivers of individuals with rare diseases.