Respite care is the provision of short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family members. Respite provides short-term and time-limited breaks for families of children with a developmental delay and adults with an intellectual disability in order to support and maintain the primary care giving relationship. Respite also provides a positive experience for the person receiving care.

Even though many families enjoy providing care to their loved one, the physical, and emotional consequences for the family caregiver can be overwhelming without some support, such as respite.