Respite Care in New York: What It Is and How to Get It

At some point, most family caregivers hit a wall. It might come suddenly, or it might build slowly over years of being the person who handles everything. Respite care exists because caring for someone with a developmental disability is real, ongoing, demanding work — and taking a break is not a luxury. It’s how you keep going.

Here’s what’s available in New York and how to access it.

Two programs, each with their own respite

New York funds respite through OPWDD and through Children’s HCBS. These are separate services, even if your family member is enrolled in both programs.

OPWDD Respite is for individuals with OPWDD eligibility, at any age. Chemlu provides it two ways:

• In your home: A trained DSP comes to you. You get a few hours — or a full day — to rest, handle other responsibilities, or simply breathe.
• In the community: Your family member spends time out in the world with a trained DSP — activities, outings, real experiences — while you recharge at home.

We provide respite across all five NYC boroughs and the Hudson Valley (Rockland, Orange, Westchester, Putnam, Dutchess, Sullivan, and Ulster counties). Respite is authorized in the individual’s Life Plan and funded through Medicaid. (New York’s OPWDD system also includes overnight, out-of-home respite at certified sites through other providers — your Care Manager can tell you more if that’s what your family needs.)

Children’s HCBS Respite is for children under 21 enrolled in the Children’s HCBS waiver through the Department of Health. It has its own authorization process and funding stream — separate from OPWDD respite even if the same child has both.

How to access respite through Chemlu

If respite is already in your family member’s Life Plan or waiver service plan, contact us and we’ll get services started. If it isn’t there yet, talk to your Care Manager about whether respite can be added to the Life Plan or waiver service plan.

Not sure where you stand, or which program applies? Call us. Our Navigator has helped many families get respite authorized for the first time.

For caregivers

Asking for help is not giving up. You have been showing up for your family member in ways most people will never understand — often without recognition, often without rest. Rested caregivers are better caregivers. You deserve support too.

Call Chemlu at (718) 774-1422 or send us a message. We’ll help you figure out what’s available and get it authorized.