Resources

Hiring a Provider

The hiring of a respite provider may be a difficult decision and should be taken seriously.  To help you through that process you may want to conduct some basic information.

• Potential questions to ask a Respite Provider Agency
• “The ABCs of Respite for Family Caregivers” – The ARCH National Respite Network & Resource Center provides this checklist and narrative to use in locating, interviewing, and hiring a personal care provider to meet family needs.  It may also be of use in maintaining quality care once you have located a provider.
• “WA Apple Health and Long-Term Services and Supports for Adults” – WA Department of Social and Health Services, DSHS/ALTSA
• “What to Consider when Hiring a Home Care Worker”

Pathways to Respite

Pathways to Respite Toolkit:  This online tool offers definitions, information, resources, and check-lists for care givers in WA.  Modeled after the Dementia Roadmap: A Guide for Family and Care Givers, another excellent tool.  The Pathways to Respite Toolkit is a good place to start conversations among families, for care givers, and to support one another. 

Informing Families is a resource provided by the Washington State Developmental Disabilities Council, in partnership with the Developmental Disabilities Administration.  

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

Powerful Tools for Caregivers (PTC) is a national program designed to assist family caregivers to find harmony and practice self-care. To find out if there is a PTC class near you, contact your local Family Caregivers Support Program.

ARCH National Respite Network

ARCH assists and promotes the development of quality respite and crisis care programs; to help families locate respite and crisis care services in their communities; and to serve as a strong voice for respite in all forums.

Community Living Connections

Washington residents can learn about and access the full range of private and public long-term service and support options. Whether you are looking for help for yourself or help for a loved one, it will be easy to locate services that best fit your needs through the Community Living Connections resource website, “Get Care“.

Information

• Assess your own need for respite and make the most of your respite time.  Utilize Examining What Caregivers Do During Respite Time to Make Respite More Effective. DALE A. LUND 10.1.2008, prepared by Dr. Dale Lund and others.

Websites

• Support for caregivers developed by The National Alliance for Caregiving.
• How to navigate the various systems for support.  The Arc of King County, “ARE YOU READY“

Respite Online Modules

Upcoming!  Video clips for care providers that provide information on what respite is, ways it could be used, how both the caregiver and individual receiving care can plan to get the most out of their respite opportunity, along with what services are available.