Respite services are provided to participants enrolled in the MR/RD, HASCII or Community Supports Waivers who are unable to care for themselves; furnished on a short-term basis because of the absence or need for relief of those persons normally providing the care. Previously termed Respite Caregivers, Household Employees are considered employees of the person or family to who respite services are provided. Household Employees are subject to withholding of taxes and will receive a W2 form for earnings in a calendar year. The Employer of Record is the participant, parent guardian or representative of the participant who has chosen a Respite Caregiver/Household Employee to provide respite care services.
Babcock Center acts as the Household Employer Agent for the Employers of Record and prepares payroll, employment tax returns and processes the withholding, deposit and payment of the associated employment taxes for the Employers of Record. Respite Caregivers/Household Employees are not employees of Babcock Center.
Respite care may be provided in a variety of settings. The setting of the respite services is chosen by the recipient and his/her family.
The following people cannot be paid to provide respite services:
- A primary caregiver
- The spouse of the consumer
- A parent, step-parent, foster parent or legal guardian of a minor consumer
- A court-appointed guardian of an adult consumer
- Parent or step-parent of an adult waiver recipient who resides in the same household as the consumer
Individuals wanting to become a certified Respite Caregiver/Household Employee in order to provide respite for an identified employer should complete the application titled New Applicants with the Employer.
If the applicant does not have an Employer identified and wants to become certified and placed on our list of caregivers, the applicant should complete the application titled New Applicant - No Employer.
Respite Caregivers/Household Employees who are already certified and want to provide respite for a new employer should complete the application titled Certified Caregivers - New Employer with the Employer.
