CARE Delaware Respite Care Service

Do you need a break from your caregiving responsibilities? Would you like to find the time to . . .

• Participate in a leisure activity?
• Enjoy a short vacation?
• Address your own health care needs?
• Attend a support group meeting?

CARE Delaware offers you, the principal caregiver, a break from the demands of providing on-going care.

What is respite care and what is available through CARE Delaware?

Respite Care is a service that gives families and other caregivers’ temporary relief from providing care for frail older adults. This service offers the principal caregiver a break from the demands of ongoing care and can be provided in the absence of a caregiver or while the caregiver remains in the home. Respite care service can be provided in a number of ways, and the type and extent of care may vary dependent upon circumstances. Respite care can be provided in the home by a licensed professional or trained companion or in an adult day care program. Some providers, on a very limited basis, offer services in a long-term care facility (such as a nursing home or assisted living facility). Respite care may be provided for caregivers who reside outside of Delaware, if they are the principal caregiver of a frail, older Delawarean.

Who is eligible?

A family member or other individual who provides on-going care to an older person who is 60 years of age or older is eligible. On-going care includes providing or arranging for personal care, other activities of daily living (bathing, feeding, dressing, transferring) as well as assisting with shopping, housekeeping, etc. The caregiver is not required to live with the frail older person, but should be providing substantial, hands-on care on an almost daily basis.

Is there a charge for this service?

There is no charge, but participants are encouraged to make voluntarily contributions to help expand available services.

Who do I call to obtain any of these services?

Different providers offer different types of respite services. For example, an adult day center provides respite at a central location whereas a home care agency provides the service in the home. Call any of the agencies listed below to determine what service they can provide.

Absolute Home Care
New Castle County
(302) 369-1050

Addus HealthCare, Inc.
New Castle County
(302) 995-9010

Christiana Care Visiting Nurse Association

• Evergreen Center 1
  Adult Day Care Program
  New Castle County
  (302) 995-8448
• Evergreen Center 2
  Adult Day Care Program
  Sussex County
  (302) 422-1575

Gull House Adult Day Care
Sussex County
(302) 226 2160

Home Health Services by TLC
New Castle County
(302) 322-5510

Sussex County Senior Services, Inc. (CHEER)
Sussex County
(302) 854-9555

Where can I get more information?

For more information about respite care services funded by the Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities (DSAAPD) and for links to other respite information, please see the main Respite Care page of this web site. If you still can't find what you are looking for, please contact DSAAPD .