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MAK Caregivers & Babysitters is where Massachusetts families post their job needs and caregivers share their experience and availability.
Join the groupRespite providers in Massachusetts
Read the respite guideCommunity-submitted listings. Not endorsements, always do your own vetting.
Everything you need to know about respite
Funding, questions to ask, and what families told us actually works.
Respite Reality Check
Finding respite is a journey, not a phone call. Here's what it actually looks like.
Finding respite feels impossible
"You've Googled. You've called. Half the numbers are disconnected. The waitlists are 6 months long. You're not bad at this — the system is broken."
- →Start with DDS Family Support — they'll assign a coordinator who does the searching for you.
- →Post in the MAK Caregivers Facebook group. Real moms share real names of people they trust.
- →Call Mass 211. One call, they find what's available right now in your area.
- →Don't overlook college students — nursing, education, and OT students make incredible caregivers.
Trusting someone with your child is terrifying
"Your child can't always tell you if something went wrong. The anxiety is real. You're not being overprotective — you're being a good parent."
- →Do a trial visit while you're still home. Watch how they interact.
- →Ask for references from other special needs families specifically.
- →Start with 2 hours. Build up. There's no rush.
- →Write a "care sheet" — meds, triggers, calming strategies, emergency contacts. It helps you AND them.
- →Trust your gut. If something feels off, it probably is.
Keeping a good caregiver is its own challenge
"You finally found someone amazing — now you're terrified they'll leave. Underpaying, over-apologizing, and never taking a break because you don't want to 'use them up.'"
- →Pay fairly. Check Care.com rates for your area (~$20–25/hr for special needs).
- →Be upfront about your child's hardest moments. Surprises burn out caregivers fast.
- →Check in regularly — a quick 'how are YOU doing?' text goes a long way.
- →Have a backup. Even the best caregiver gets sick or moves on.
From Moms Who've Been There
Illustrative examples based on common experiences shared with our community. Not individual endorsements.
"I found our respite worker through our ABA company — I asked if any of the RBTs did private babysitting on the side. Game changer."
— Mom of a 7-year-old with autism
"DDS took 4 months to process, but once we were in, we got 12 hours/month of funded respite. Worth the wait."
— Mom of twins with developmental delays
"I made a 'survival binder' for our caregiver — seizure protocol, sensory kit location, preferred foods, emergency numbers. She said it was the best thing any family ever gave her."
— Mom of a medically complex child
"College job boards are underrated. We found a special ed major who became like family. She 'got' our kid from day one."
— Mom of an 11-year-old with Down syndrome
For Complex Families
Multiple kids, medical complexity, non-verbal — respite looks different for every family.
Multiple kids with different needs
You may need two different caregivers — one for medical needs and one for behavioral. DDS funding can sometimes cover both. Ask your coordinator.
Medically complex child
Look for respite providers with nursing staff or ask about MassHealth's PCA program. You can hire someone specifically trained for your child's medical needs.
Non-verbal or limited communication
Create a visual communication board for the caregiver. Include photos of favorite items, calming strategies, and signs of distress. The more prep you do, the safer the handoff.
First time leaving your child
It's okay to cry in the parking lot. Start with 1 hour. Stay nearby. Have your phone on. It gets easier — we promise.
Let's start with the basics
What is respite care?
Short-term relief for primary caregivers. Someone else watches your child — for a few hours, overnight, or a weekend — so you can rest, handle appointments, or just breathe.
Who qualifies?
Any family caring for a child with a disability or medical complexity. In Massachusetts, you don't need a formal diagnosis for every program — some are open to any family that self-identifies as needing support.
Is it free?
Some programs are free or sliding-scale through DDS (Department of Developmental Services) or MassHealth. Others are private-pay. We'll break down both below.
Will my child be safe?
Reputable programs train their staff in disability-specific care. Ask about staff ratios, training certifications, and whether they can handle your child's specific needs (sensory, behavioral, medical). Always do your own research before trusting any provider.
How to pay for it (or not pay at all)
Start here before you pay out of pocket. Many families qualify for funded respite and don't know it.
Where to find respite care
Programs, providers, and creative options families are actually using.
Many MA colleges let families post caregiver and babysitter jobs on their student job boards (like Handshake). Education, nursing, and OT students often make great caregivers.
💡 Trained, energetic students looking for flexible work — and many have coursework in special needs, child development, or therapy.
Featured Respite Providers
No featured respite providers yet — here's what a featured listing could look like.
Your Agency Name
Your Location
Tell families about your respite services, your approach, and what makes your agency different.
Questions to ask before you book
Print this list. Bring it when you call.
- 1What training does your staff have in working with children with [specific need]?
- 2What is your staff-to-child ratio?
- 3Can you handle medication administration?
- 4What happens in an emergency?
- 5Do you offer trial sessions so my child can get comfortable first?
- 6What are your cancellation and scheduling policies?
- 7Do you accept DDS funding, MassHealth, or offer sliding-scale fees?
Navigating MassHealth feels like a full-time job. We made a cheat sheet →
For Agencies & Schools
We're building a network of respite partners across Massachusetts.
This is information, not a clinical recommendation. Always vet any respite provider yourself and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't.