Respite
Respite is available on a short-term basis because of the absence or need for relief of those persons normally providing care. Respite can be provided in a variety of settings based on the member’s needs and service delivery options on each waiver.
Respite Benefit Updates
The Department of Health Care Policy and Financing (HCPF) is introducing a package of respite policy updates across children’s and adult waivers. These changes are designed to improve clarity, consistency, and access to respite care—helping families and providers better navigate the benefit.
View more information including what's changing, the timeline, and opportunities for input.
View Proposed Draft Amendments for the Adult and Child Respite Rules - October 2025
Respite is available in multiple Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Waivers. Respite can be provided through different service delivery options to meet the member's needs.
HCBS Waivers that offer respite and their associated service delivery options:
- Brain Injury Waiver (BI)
- In-Home
- Nursing Facility
- Children with Complex Health Needs Waiver (CwCHN)
- Day Camp (Group, Overnight)
- Skilled CNA (4 hours or less)
- Skilled CNA (4 hours or more)
- Skilled RN, LPN (4 hours or less)
- Skilled RN, LPN (4 hours or more)
- Unskilled (4 hours or less)
- Unskilled (4 hours or more)
- Children's Extensive Support Waiver (CES)
- Day Group
- Dollar Camp (Group, Overnight)
- Skilled CNA (4 hours or less)
- Skilled CNA (4 hours or more)
- Skilled RN, LPN (4 hours or less)
- Skilled RN, LPN (4 hours or more)
- Skilled Therapeutic (4 hours or less)
- Skilled Therapeutic (4 hours or more)
- Unskilled Individual
- Unskilled Individual Day
- Children's Habilitation Residential Program Waiver (CHRP)
- Skilled Day CNA (4 hours or less)
- Skilled CNA (4 hours or more)
- Skilled RN, LPN (4 hours or less)
- Skilled RN, LPN (4 hours or more)
- Skilled Therapeutic (4 hours or less)
- Skilled Therapeutic (4 hours or more)
- Unskilled Individual - In Family Home
- Unskilled Individual Day - In Family Home
- Unskilled Individual - In Residential Settings
- Unskilled Individual Day - In Residential Settings
- Community Mental Health Supports Waiver (CMHS)
- Alternative Care Facility (ACF)
- Nursing Facility
- Complementary and Integrative Health Waiver (CIH)
- Alternative Care Facility (ACF)
- In-Home
- Nursing Facility
- Elderly, Blind, and Disabled Waiver (EBD)
- Alternative Care Facility (ACF)
- In-Home
- Nursing Facility
- Supported Living Services Waiver (SLS)
- Individual
- Individual, Per Diem Day
- Group
- Camp (Group, Overnight)
Helpful Resources
- Respite Quick Reference Guide - Updated July 2025
- HCBS Respite Provider List
- Respite Regulations - 10 CCR 2525-10 8.7545 - Adults and 8.7546 - Children
- Colorado Respite Coalition
- ARCH National Respite Network
- VA Respite Caregiver Support
- National Academy for State Health Policy: Family Caregiving
- Health First Colorado Find A Doctor Tool
- Tip: when searching for HCBS services, select ‘Home and Community (HCBS)’ under Providers By Type
- Tip: when searching for HCBS services, select ‘Home and Community (HCBS)’ under Providers By Type
- Helpful Links for Providers
- HCBS Waivers page
- Long-Term Services and Supports Programs page
How to Apply
Contact your local Case Management Agency (CMA) to apply and get assistance with other types of care you might need.
Questions: contact hcpf_hcbs_questions@state.co.us