Medicaid Respite Care in Indiana: What Families Need to Know

When you're caring for a loved one with special needs or a chronic condition, it's easy to forget about your own needs — until burnout sets in. That’s where respite care becomes more than just helpful. It becomes essential.

In Indiana, Medicaid-funded respite care programs are designed to support families like yours. Through structured waiver programs, the state helps caregivers take necessary breaks while ensuring their loved one continues receiving safe, professional care at home or in the community.

At Kompassionate Care Services, we provide trained, vetted, and supervised staff to step in when families need relief — so caregivers can rest, recharge, and return with renewed energy.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care offers temporary, short-term support for individuals who normally receive full-time care from a family member or other unpaid caregiver. The goal is to give the primary caregiver time to rest, attend to personal matters, or simply take a well-earned break — all while knowing their loved one is in capable hands.

Respite care can take place:

• In the home (the most common setting)
• In a community setting (e.g., day programs or habilitation centers)
• Occasionally, in an approved overnight facility

Who Qualifies for Respite Care in Indiana?

Respite care is not a standalone Medicaid program, but it is included as a service in several Indiana Medicaid waiver programs. To qualify, individuals must meet eligibility for one of the following waivers:

1. Family Supports Waiver (FSW)

For individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) who live at home and need support services.

2. Community Integration and Habilitation Waiver (CIH)

For individuals with I/DD who have more complex needs, including 24-hour care or supervision.

3. Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (TBI)

For individuals diagnosed with a qualifying brain injury who require home-based care.

4. Money Follows the Person (MFP)

For those transitioning out of nursing facilities or institutions into home or community living.

5. PathWays / Health & Wellness Waiver

A newer Medicaid option supporting individuals with disabilities in building healthier, more independent lives.

All of these waivers include respite care as an optional service based on the individual's support plan. Kompassionate Care Services is an approved provider under each of these programs.

What Does Medicaid Respite Care Include?

When approved through a Medicaid waiver, respite care may include:

• Personal care (bathing, dressing, meals)
• Companionship and supervision
• Medication reminders
• Mobility and safety support
• Help with routines and social interaction

At Kompassionate Care, every respite caregiver is directly employed, trained, and overseen by our agency. We maintain the highest standards to ensure both the care recipient and their family feel confident and supported.

How Much Respite Care Can I Get?

The amount of respite care available depends on:

• The waiver your loved one is approved for
• The individualized support plan (ISP)
• Your loved one’s care needs and level of support

Most waivers allow for ongoing, scheduled respite as well as emergency or last-minute coverage. Some include hourly respite, while others allow for overnight stays or weekend care, especially in the CIH Waiver.

Why Choose Kompassionate Care?

At Kompassionate Care Services, we do compassionate with a "K":

• Kindness is our foundation
• Knowledge sets us apart
• Keeping promises is our policy

We are a licensed, bonded, and veteran-owned agency based in Indianapolis. Families across Indiana trust us for our professionalism, responsiveness, and ability to adapt to unique care situations.

Whether you’re exploring respite care for the first time or need to adjust an existing plan, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

Let's Talk About Respite Options

Every situation is unique — and that’s why talking to a provider first is the best way to begin. We’ll help you determine which waiver may apply, what services your family may qualify for, and how to build the right plan for your needs.

Reach out today: Contact Us

Insist on more than compassion. Insist on the “K” – Kompassionate Care Services.