Palmer Home Respite Care

One of the most impactful ways we support our houseparents is by ensuring they are able to rest! The biggest predictor of success in a child's life is the quality of their relationships.

Providing rest to our houseparents equips them to invest in these relationships, and ultimately help the children in their care.

Supporting Houseparents

Our houseparents often say they have the best job in the world, but we also know they have one of the hardest jobs in the world.

The national turnover rate for full-time houseparents is one to three years. While Palmer Home houseparents tend to stay with our mission for longer than the national average, we hope to continue this trend by increasing the availability of respite and support they receive.

Respite Care FAQs

  • What is respite care?

    There are two kinds of respite care. On-campus respite care involves providing care for one to three nights in a cottage on our campus for up to 8 children. Off-campus respite care is providing care for one to three nights to a child or children from our foster care program in your own home.

  • How often should I plan to provide Respite Care?

    Children do better and feel safer when there are steady routines in their lives. Because of this, we are recruiting adults who have the desire to provide regular respite care. Respite Caregivers commit to serving once a month or once every other month. This time frame allows for optimal relationship building with the children they care for and the caregivers they support.

  • Is training and support provided?

    In this role, you will come to understand the unique needs of children or individuals and how those needs are best met. Respite Caregivers receive Whole Child Initiative training to equip them with the necessary tools to step in and be a successful respite caregiver. Palmer Home will help you partner with full-time caregivers to provide care that is consistent with what children experience with their full-time caregivers.

How to Apply

Individuals or couples interested in becoming respite caregivers will start by completing an initial application and screening.

Additional measures to ensure the child’s safety include a thorough background check (both criminal and medical), personal references, and any other verifications deemed necessary. When providing off campus care, Respite Caregivers also complete a home study assessment with a Palmer Home caseworker.

Apply Now

Want to be a respite caregiver?

We look forward to partnering with you! Please complete the form at the link below, and someone from our team will contact you to start the application process soon.

Apply Now