The Respite Care Referral Program (RCRP) provides respite or relief to the caregiver - relief from the constant stress and responsibility of caring for a frail, disabled or elderly person at home. The program also provides companionship and support services to seniors and the disabled.

The Respite Care Referral Program maintains a registry of self-employed home care workers who can provide direct, hands-on personal care or companion care.

RCRP Brochure 

The Respite Care Referral Program Will:

• Conduct a quick phone assessment of the client’s needs
• Provide the client or the client’s caretaker with information on the Respite Care Referral Program and other departmental services
• Provide names and phone numbers of available home care workers
• Continue to provide support to the client and caregiver as long as necessary

The Cient or Client’s Caregiver Can Then:

• Contact the referred Home Care Workers to schedule interviews
• Hire the worker directly
• Agree on services needed and pay the fee directly to the self-employed worker

Services Provided by Home Care Workers:

• Hands on personal care such as bathing, dressing and feeding
• Assist with or supervise bathing, feeding, dressing and toileting
• Assist with transferring a client from bed to wheelchair
• Meal preparation, laundry and light housekeeping for the client
• Transportation to medical appointments, errands, etc.
• Companionship

Home Care Workers, Application Process:

• Recruitment Brochure 
• Application for Home Care Worker
• Criminal background screening and employment references
• Interviewed by Respite Care Referral Program staff
• Attend Department of Aging & Disabilities 20 hour Companion Caregiver Training or AACC’s 110 hour Certified Nursing Assistant Training with 8 hour Department Refresher class
• Home Care Workers are self-mployed independent  contractors (not employees  of Anne Arundel County Department of Aging and Disabilities)
• Work part-time or full-time, providing day, evening, night and weekend hours of care
• On average, charge $12 to $15 per hour depending on tasks or services requested 

Eligibility: 

Anne Arundel County resident looking for companionship or assistance with personal care or household tasks or Caregivers who need assistance with caregiving duties in order to maintain their employment or to experience a break from the caregiving schedule.

For more information, call: (410) 222-4464 extension 3045/3094

E-mail:  respite_care@aacounty.org