Respite care is a service typically delivered in the home or a community, faith, or facility-based setting that provides short-term relief for caregivers. It is one of the most desired services by caregivers who frequently report that they need a break.
Developed by the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) and ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center, this guide provides states, policymakers, and community organizations with practical strategies to strengthen respite care services for family caregivers. This resource guide highlights funding opportunities, workforce development approaches, public awareness initiatives, and innovative state examples that can help improve access to high-quality respite care and advance implementation of the National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.
National Respite Care Provider Training
The National Respite Care Provider Training (NRCPT), in part funded by the U.S. Administration for Community Living, is a free, online, self-paced entry-level curriculum centered on 10 core competencies for individuals interested in providing respite care. The training is replicable and scalable by a replication toolkit to facilitate state-specific adoption. Additionally, customizable NRCPT outreach flyers are tailored for family caregivers, respite providers, direct care workers, state agencies, and community organizations.
Developed by PHI in partnership with the National Academy for State Health Policy (NASHP) and the Respite Care Association of Wisconsin (RCAW), this practical guide provides strategies for states and organizations seeking to build or enhance matching service and respite registries. The resource outlines seven key considerations for registry development, including registry goals, user eligibility, financing, partnerships, design, marketing, and evaluation. It is designed to help policymakers, respite programs, and community partners create effective registry systems that connect family caregivers and care recipients with qualified providers.
This policy brief examines how Georgia and Maine evaluated their respite care programs to better understand caregiver outcomes, service effectiveness, and return on investment. Through case studies and evaluation findings, the resource highlights how states can use data to demonstrate the value of respite care, inform funding and policy decisions, and strengthen caregiver support systems while potentially reducing long-term care costs.
For additional respite care resources, please visit NASHP’s respite care webpage at: https://nashp.org/respite-care/.