partnered with the military services to provide respite care to families with children up to age 18 who have special needs and are enrolled in the Exceptional Family Member Program. Families enrolled in EFMP receiving respite care within their service branch must meet eligibility requirements and follow program regulations about the location and hours.
Other places to look for information and respite care options for children and adults include:
- Your state's Lifespan Respite Program, if available. Lifespan Respite Programs are run by state agencies to provide community-based respite for family caregivers; archrespite.org/lifespan-programs
- The National Respite Locator. This online tool can link you to information on respite funding and caregiver supports in your state; archrespite.org/respitelocator/respite-locator-service- state-information-map
- State Respite Coalitions. These membership organizations represent people with disabilities. Some of these organizations provide training and respite vouchers; archrespite.org/state-respite-coalitions
- Nonprofit organizations related to your family member's condition may be able to refer you to respite services in your community.
- A "co-op" in which you and other families take turns watching each other's loved ones. Family support groups
are a good place to meet others interested in forming a respite care co-op.
WHERE CAN I FIND HELP PAYING FOR RESPITE CARE?
There are several options where you may find help paying for respite care.
- Child Care Aware provides respite care to children of eligible military families enrolled in EFMP; childcareaware.org/fee-assistancerespite
- TRICARE Extended Care Health Option offers a respite care benefit to eligible military families; tricare.mil/Plans/SpecialPrograms/ECHO/EHHC
- Medicaid waivers cover the cost of respite care if your family member qualifies. Check with your state's Medicaid office to learn more; militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships/spe- cial-needs/support-for-families/medicaid-waivers-for-military-families/
Your installation's Exceptional Family Member Family Support (installations.militaryonesource.mil/?looking-for-a=program/program- service=16/focus=program) can help you with many aspects of caring for a family member with special needs, including navigating respite care. You can also schedule a special needs consultation 24/7 by calling 800-342-9647 or through live chat. If you're overseas, view international calling options.•
– Military OneSource
