Respite provides caregivers of those with long-term or life long disabilities or illnesses an opportunity to have some time away from their caregiver duties. A respite break can be as short as a few hours or as long as a couple of days or weeks. Many families take care of their relatives with disabilities (children, adults, and the elderly) at home instead of placing them in institutions or nursing homes.

The Nebraska Respite Network site serves as a one-stop location for information on respite for caregivers, providers, employers and citizens.

The Nebraska Respite Network connects caregivers overwhelmed with the demands of the daily care of an individual with information about the appropriate respite services in their area. It also provides information for respite providers who wish to be registered and offer services, either paid or volunteer.

The Nebraska Respite Network Southwest Area, is one of the 6 Nebraska sites. The Nebraska Respite Network offers information and referral services for families and potential or current respite providers.

You can access your local coordinator by calling:
866-RESPITE (866-737-7483) or 308-345-4990

Become a Respite Provider!

Individuals interested in volunteering, caregivers, providers, and employers are encouraged to contact the Nebraska Respite Network for more information about opportunities in your area.

Fill out the Individual Provider Application and send it to respite@swhealth.ne.gov or PO Box 1235, McCook NE 69001.

You can also fill out a provider application online here Respite Provder Application

Caregiver Information

Many families take care of their relatives with disabilities (children, adults, and the elderly) at home instead of placing them in institutions or nursing homes. Often the family takes on the burden of care alone, without outside help. Family caregivers are providing 80% of long-term care in the US, worth $257 billion a year, more than the amount spent on nursing home and paid home care combined, according to the national Lifespan Respite Task Force.

Respite care significantly benefits caregivers and recipients of care:

Research indicates that respite care decreases family stress and improves family functioning, life satisfaction, attitudes toward family members with disabilities, and the physical and emotional health of the elderly. Respite care allows caregivers to devote energy and resources to their own health and wellbeing, as well as that of other family members. These services provide caregivers additional support when they themselves are experiencing crisis. Respite care significantly decreases the need for costly out of home placements, such as foster care, hospitalization and nursing home care. By providing much needed relief to caregivers, respite care significantly reduces cases of abuse and neglect. Respite can occur in many different ways and places depending on the needs of the caregiver and the person they are caring for. Some examples are:

• Paid or volunteer in home service
• Day service centers for adults or day care centers for children
• Camps
• Schools
• Extended Care Facilities

The Nebraska Respite Network assists with names and phone numbers of respite services the caregiver needs. The Nebraska Respite Network maintains a list of providers, both individuals and agencies where families in need of help can be referred. Names of professional agencies and/or paid providers as well as volunteer organizations will be listed.

Nebraska Resource Referral System allows you to search for a qualified provider in your area. Select the county you live in, check Respite Service, and click the search button. A listing of providers will appear. Their name, contact information and services provided will be listed.

Need more information about using respite, qualifying for respite funding sources, or just wanting more information? Contact the Respite Coordinator at respite@swhealth.ne.gov or 308-345-4990.