Expanding lifelines of care for medically fragile children
Bringing children’s respite homes to families across the U.S.
Why respite homes matter
As a dad of a medically fragile child, I know firsthand how exhausting intense caregiving round-the-clock becomes. To have a short break for rest and sleep, we needed to trust that whoever we allowed to care for Ryan would do so safely and as we would. We realized that overnight children’s respite services are very limited in the United States.
That’s why my wife Holly and I cofounded Ryan House in Phoenix, and why I’m so passionate to now lead the National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes and rally others around Children’s Respite Homes of America. To help other communities get a house open and stay open so that more families like ours can finally get some much-needed sleep to better care for their children.
How We Help
Families of children with complex medical conditions—such as cancer, muscular dystrophy, severe cystic fibrosis, and rare genetic disorders—need our support now more than ever. Here’s how we’re making a difference:
- Raising Awareness & Educating: We amplify the voices of medically fragile children and their families, informing the public and policymakers about the critical need for community-based respite care.
- Advocating for Change: We push for state and federal policy reforms that expand access to sustainable, high-quality respite, palliative, and hospice care for children and young adults nationwide.
- Building a Stronger Community: We unite and empower grassroots programs across the U.S. by sharing best practices, fostering collaboration, and mentoring leaders to establish and sustain high-quality children’s respite homes.
What is a Children’s Respite & Palliative Care Home?
A community-based children’s respite home is an extension of home—a temporary haven where families find relief, support, and connection.
1. Relief & Rejuvenation for Families
Provides short-term overnight care in a safe, home-like setting.
Allows parents to rest, recharge, and return stronger to continue caring for their child.
Offers a trusted alternative to emergency rooms, which are costly and not designed for respite.
2. Expert Care in a Supportive Environment
Staffed by trained professionals specializing in complex medical needs.
More than just medical support—families receive emotional care and guidance.
Creates a space where children and families feel safe, valued, and understood.
3. A Welcome, Home-Like Setting
Warm and inviting surroundings for gentle, dignified care.
Often includes dedicated arts & crafts, sensory, and hydrotherapy rooms, along with outdoor gardens and adaptive playgrounds.
Community space to gather and share support.
Meet pioneers of U.S. children's respite homes and families
Establishing these remarkable programs requires the support of an entire community. It’s a collective endeavor around a shared vision.
Let's build a children's respite home in your community
Too many families are navigating the challenges of caring for a medically fragile child without the support they need. Community-based children’s respite homes are a proven solution—but they don’t exist in most cities.
We’re changing that.
- Passionate leaders across the U.S. are stepping up to fill this gap—but they can’t do it alone.
Opening and sustaining a children’s respite home takes resources, expertise, and community support.
Whether you can donate, volunteer, or lead an effort to start a home, we want to hear from you.
Together, we can ensure every child and family has access to compassionate respite care.
Join us. Let’s make it happen.
Kim, Suzanne, and Kathleen are three of many emerging market leaders.
Learn more about the need in your community and how you can help!
Join Our Newsletter
Want to stay up to date with our progress in providing homes for medically fragile children? Sign up below!
Children’s Respite Homes of America (CRHA) is building the movement for nationwide respite care in partnership with the National Center for Pediatric Palliative Care Homes (NCPPCH).
Medical providers, institutions, and policymakers: connect with NCPPCH at ncppch.org.
To join the nationwide movement to open 50 homes in 50 cities in five years, learn about CRHA by exploring this website.
