It’s often difficult for parents to ask for help. However, taking care of yourself often helps you have the patience and energy to care for your child with special health care needs . One of the questions we frequently get asked is how to find respite. Respite can allow you to get a short breath and/or spend time with the other children in your family. There are different options available to you depending upon where you live and your child's eligibility. One of the most utilized programs for respite is the home and community based services system. These are often called Medicaid waivers in Indiana. Once you apply for the Family Supports waiver and are placed on the waiting list, you can request caregiver support from the Bureau of Developmental Disabilities Services (BDDS). This is funding for a limited amount of respite through an approved provider. You can not be receiving other DDRS services, like First Steps, in order to receive caregiver support. This site has
Family Voices Indiana is a family-led organization that provides information, education, training, outreach, and peer support to families of children and youth with special health care needs and the professionals who serve them.