Respite gives primary caregivers time to rest, manage other responsibilities, or step away temporarily while the person continues receiving necessary care and supervision.
What respite may include
- Supervision and care necessary to protect the person’s health and safety.
- In-home respite in the person’s own residence.
- Time in community locations while the person continues residing at home.
- Out-of-home respite in an eligible setting when authorized.
Who may qualify
Eligibility depends on the person’s program and caregiver situation. In general, the primary caregiver must be principally responsible for the person’s care and supervision and must be absent or need relief. Program-specific rules differ across Alternative Care, Elderly Waiver, BI, CAC, CADI, and DD waivers.
Care, not habilitation
Respite focuses on short-term care and safety. It does not replace services specifically directed toward training or habilitation, and some residential services cannot be authorized at the same time except under limited emergency circumstances.
Official Minnesota information
See Minnesota DHS for current definitions, program-specific eligibility, settings, limitations, and provider requirements.
Minnesota DHS: Respite services