What is Respite and What do Respite Care Services Entail?
Respite Care Services provide caregivers a temporary break, or time of relief, from their care giving duties. It is ideal for family caregivers in need of a break for vacation or other travel or for loved ones needing assistance in recovering from a health circumstance or life transition.
Respite Care also serves to provide a break from the constant physical and emotional stress of caring for a person with 24/7 needs, such as an individual with Alzheimer’s disease, related dementia, cognitive, behavioral and physical impairment and disability.
Caregivers often develop stress-related illnesses such as heart disease, hypertension, or ulcers. An occasional break allows an exhausted caregiver to regroup, both physically and emotionally, and to find the strength to carry on.
iCare Health Network’s care centers specialize in providing respite care service to special patient populations such as individuals with memory care needs, substance use disorder, behavioral health needs and more. iCare care centers provide a safe, secure, reliable and temporary location for loved one to receive this care.
Resources
There are many sources of funding for Respite Care, making the service accessible and affordable. Let us assist you in connecting to resources by calling iCentral Admissions at (860) 812-0788 or see below.
The Caregiver Services Application
Connecticut Statewide Respite Program Brochure
National Family Caregiver Support Program Brochure
To check basic eligibility in the greater Hartford area, call North Central Area Agency on Aging at (860) 724-6443 and ask for the Respite Care Coordinator. Tell them you are interested in services at an iCare Health Network care center.
News & Updates
Discover the latest from our blog
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Administrators must manage complex healthcare operations while also fostering an environment where residents feel supported and staff members feel valued. From overseeing clinical outcomes and compliance to supporting life enrichment programs and community partnerships, their leadership touches nearly every aspect of care center life. Across iCare Health Network’s care centers, Administrators work alongside interdisciplinary teams that include nurses, therapists, dietary professionals, life en… -
Meet Sarah Krebs, Licensed Nursing Home Administrator at Touchpoints at Chestnut. Sarah chose long-term care because of her deep commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and safeguarding dignity when residents may be at their most dependent stages of life. For her, the complexity and constant challenges of long-term care aren’t something to avoid—they’re something to lean into. Sarah believes that “we all have the power to make a difference in someone’s life,” and she carries … -
A Sweet Tradition at Touchpoints at Bloomfield
February 27, 2026
At Touchpoints at Bloomfield, late winter brings with it a familiar and much-anticipated tradition. For the past seven years, team member Christine Bourbeau and her husband, Mark, have marked maple season by tapping trees on campus and transforming sap into maple syrup — a process residents enjoy watching unfold each year. The season typically runs from mid-February through the end of March, when cold nights and milder daytime temperatures create the ideal conditions for sap to flow. Across Bl… -
McKnights Long Term Care News: A compassionate look at the ‘big, big picture’ with AHCA Board Chair Chris Wright
February 24, 2026
We’re honored that McKnight’s recently featured Chris Wright — Chairman of the AHCA Board and Co-Owner of iCare Health Network — in a thoughtful interview spotlighting what drives his leadership and vision for the long-term care industry. The article explores Chris’s view on how compassion, clarity of purpose, and a commitment to collective progress are essential to navigating the challenges facing long-term care today. We’re grateful to Kimberly Marselas and McKnight’s for telling… -
Valentine’s Day at Trinity Hill Care Center was a celebration of connection, appreciation, and shared joy from morning through evening. Residents began the day with a special “Lovers Luncheon,” an opportunity to gather, enjoy a thoughtfully prepared meal, and spend meaningful time together in a warm and welcoming setting. The spirit of appreciation extended to Trinity Hill’s dedicated team members, who were treated to cupcakes and ice cream in recognition of the compassion and commitment… -
Sweet Skills: Valentine’s Activity Highlights Real-Life Therapy at Touchpoints at Bloomfield
February 18, 2026
At Touchpoints at Bloomfield, occupational therapy is about more than repetition and routine — it’s about helping residents strengthen the skills they use in everyday life. A recent Valentine’s-themed session brought that philosophy to life through an activity that blended creativity, independence, and a touch of sweetness. Residents took part in a hands-on exercise centered on home-management tasks, practicing skills such as measuring, sequencing steps, problem-solving, and fine motor coo… -
In recognition of National Wear Red Day, staff and residents proudly participated in the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women movement, coming together in a sea of red to raise awareness about cardiovascular disease in women. While Touchpoints at Bloomfield’s commitment to cardiac care has been well documented—most recently through its certification by the American Heart Association—events like Wear Red Day demonstrate that heart health extends beyond clinical programs. It liv… -
MissionCare at Holyoke Marks Five Years of Purpose-Driven Care
February 5, 2026
Over the past five years, MissionCare at Holyoke has developed expertise in caring for individuals whose clinical and psychosocial needs require a higher level of coordination and support. The center welcomes residents from across Massachusetts, including those living with complex medical conditions and behavioral health diagnoses, as well as individuals connected to state agencies. Many arrive after experiencing barriers to placement elsewhere. MissionCare’s approach is to assess each referra…
