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RESPITE CARE SERVICES PROVIDER IN MASSACHUSETTS

  • Writer: Fatumata Kaba
    Fatumata Kaba
  • Aug 8
  • 3 min read

OFFERING TEMPORARY RELIEF FOR CAREGIVERS WHILE ENSURING SAFE, SUPPORTIVE CARE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES OR CHRONIC CONDITIONS

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Respite Care Services in Massachusetts provide short-term relief to primary caregivers of individuals with physical, cognitive, or behavioral health challenges. Services are offered in the individual's home, a community setting, or an alternative licensed site. These supports are authorized and reimbursed through MassHealth waiver programs, including the DDS Waivers and the ABI/MFP Waivers.

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1. GOVERNING AGENCIES

Agency: MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid)

Role: Funds respite care through waiver programs and ensures compliance with HCBS regulations

Agency: Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

Role: Oversees respite for individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (IDD)

Agency: Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

Role: Oversees ABI and MFP Waiver respite supports for individuals with brain injuries

Agency: Department of Public Health (DPH)** (for facility-based respite)

Role: Licenses facilities that provide overnight or medical respite care

Agency: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)

Role: Sets federal standards for waiver-funded respite under HCBS

 

2. RESPITE SERVICE OVERVIEW

Respite care is intermittent, time-limited care provided to individuals to give caregivers a break. Respite may be:

  • Planned or emergency

  • Hourly, daily, or overnight

  • Provided in-home, community settings, or licensed facilities

  • Delivered by trained direct care staff, nurses, or certified aides

Service goals:

  • Prevent caregiver burnout

  • Avoid unnecessary institutionalization

  • Support family stability and long-term caregiving

 

3. SERVICE TYPES & FUNDING PATHWAYS

Type of Respite

Setting Funding Waivers

In-home respite

Participant’s residence

DDS, ABI, MFP, AFC, CFC

Out-of-home respite

Staffed residence or facility

DDS, MRC, MassHealth

Emergency respite

Crisis-approved settings

DDS or MRC approval

 

4. PROVIDER REQUIREMENTS

For In-Home or Community-Based Respite:

  • Register business entity (LLC or nonprofit)

  • Obtain EIN and Type 2 NPI

  • Enroll as a MassHealth waiver provider via ePREP

  • Apply with DDS or MRC (if serving individuals under those waivers)

  • Maintain liability insurance and background check policies

  • Train respite staff in person-centered care and safety

For Facility-Based Overnight Respite:

  • Obtain license from DPH as a group residence, if applicable

  • Meet COMAR / HCBS safety and staffing standards

  • Conduct fire safety and emergency preparedness planning

 

5. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

  • Articles of Incorporation or LLC certificate

  • EIN and NPI confirmation

  • Waiver provider enrollment confirmation

  • Respite care service model or program description

  • Policy & procedure manual including:

    • Intake forms and caregiver consent

    • Emergency contact and health information logs

    • Staff supervision and scheduling protocols

    • Incident reporting and participant rights

    • HIPAA compliance and data protection policies

    • Medication administration (if applicable)

    • Crisis support and behavioral response plans

 

6. STAFFING REQUIREMENTS

Role: Respite Worker / Direct Support Professional (DSP)

Requirements: Experience with the target population, CPR/First Aid, CORI check

Role: Program Supervisor / RN (if applicable)

Requirements: Oversees care plans and coordinates backup support

Training Requirements:

  • Person-centered care and HCBS rights

  • Abuse/neglect reporting (MANDATED)

  • Emergency and crisis procedures

  • Infection control and safety

  • Optional: MAP training (for med admin)

 

7. MEDICAID WAIVER PROGRAMS THAT COVER RESPITE

DDS Waivers (via Department of Developmental Services):

  • Community Living Waiver – For individuals living in the family home

  • Intensive Supports Waiver – For 24/7 care settings

  • Adult Supports Waiver – For part-time support needs

ABI & MFP Waivers (via MRC):

  • ABI Residential Habilitation Waiver

  • ABI Non-Residential Habilitation Waiver

  • MFP-Community Living and Residential Supports

Other Funding Sources:

  • Family Support Centers (state-funded short-term respite)

  • Children’s Behavioral Health Initiative (CBHI) (respite for youth with SED)

  • Autism Division (DESE/DDS) for school-age children

 

8. TIMELINE TO LAUNCH

Phase: Business Formation & Service Model Planning

Timeline: 1–2 weeks

Phase: Policy Manual and Staff Onboarding

Timeline: 2–4 weeks

Phase: Waiver Enrollment via DDS/MRC or ePREP

Timeline: 4–8 weeks

Phase: Referral Partnerships and Service Start

Timeline: Ongoing

 

9. CONTACT INFORMATION

MassHealth LTSS Provider Enrollment (ePREP)

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Department of Developmental Services (DDS)

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Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC)

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Department of Public Health (DPH)

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MASSACHUSETTS RESPITE CARE PROVIDER

WAIVER CONSULTING GROUP'S START-UP ASSISTANCE SERVICE — MASSACHUSETTS RESPITE CARE PROVIDER

We help individuals and agencies launch effective, family-centered respite care programs that relieve caregivers while ensuring compassionate, high-quality care for those they support.

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Scope of Work:

  • Business registration and Medicaid waiver enrollment

  • Program model and service setting design (in-home or facility-based)

  • Full policy & procedure manual for compliance

  • Staff training packets and emergency forms

  • Participant intake, consent, and incident documentation

  • Billing setup and LTSS tracking tools

  • Referral outreach to DDS, MRC, and family support centers

  • Templates for scheduling, backup care, and care plan updates




Our Client Portal offers a wealth of resources that you can explore related to various programs and state requirements. 

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