Care or respite care can look different for each family
Some are looking for a babysitter for their child
Some are looking for a friend for their teen
Some are looking for a friend and caregiver for their adult child
Some are looking for a caregiver for their elderly parent
Some are looking for a night nurse for their loved one
Payment can look different for some families
Paid by the family
Paid by an agency
Depending on the persons needs or disabilities and what state they or you are in, the way a caregiver is paid could look different. For example, here’s some information on some “respite care”.
What is respite care?
Short-term care that provides relief for caregivers or family members caring for people with disabilities.
**Note – for people caring for people with special needs or disabilities, respite can be used as a general term or someone could be an actual “respite care provider”.
How does respite care work?
Some people or families work with respite care companies or agencies that pay the caregiver on behalf of the family. Many families usually need more help than most typical families so this helps families sustain a healthier, happier life. So instead of the caregiver being privately paid by the family, they would get paid by the respite agency.
More info:
In many states, people with certain special needs or disabilities can apply and be placed on a Medicaid waiver. If you’re placed on a waiver that includes respite care as a service, you are given a certain amount of respite hours each year. Visit our Waivers and Services page to find out more on what states provide respite under their waivers (more state/s waiver info is coming).
To be qualified or hired as a respite caregiver/respite care provider, what is needed?
- You need to be at least 18 years old
- Be first aid and CPR certified (some CPR online trainings listed here)
- Background check
- Complete timely documention
Respite or caregiving companies can provide more information and they are all very willing to answer any questions. The family you are interested in working with should be able to help you too.
(For Colorado, you can find more information by visiting Caregivers Village Colorado or Colorado Family Caregivers)
How much would I get paid?
This can vary depending on the agency you work with, can change from year to year and every state is different.
As an example, in the state of Colorado, the current hourly rate for respite is between $20 to $24 an hour and you can talk with the family you are interested in working with to get clarity around the rate. If the family also has a service called Community Connector added to their waiver, you could also earn more. This rate can also vary and it’s currently around $30 to $33 an hour (how many hours you can do, depends on what is given to the family – ex: it could be 2 hours or it could be 10 hours a week).
Why work with a respite agency/company? Incentives?
Getting paid by an agency could provide more job security. When you are being paid by an agency, this could provide some relief to you as a caregiver knowing that you are guaranteed payment.
Find respite or home care
Interested in a job caring for someone with special needs? Becoming a caregiver or sitter?
Whether looking for an occasional, part-time or full-time job, families need you!
