As medical respite care programs continue to expand, the call is clear for a guiding framework to shape its philosophy and delivery.

A Framework for Medical Respite Care (PDF) builds on the existing work of the National Institute for Medical Respite Care and Respite Care Providers Network and further defines and explores three overarching components:

• Guiding principles for medical respite care
• Standards for medical respite care programs
• Models of medical respite care

This framework is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s meant to serve as a cornerstone, helping programs tailor their services to meet local needs while upholding a standard of high-quality, patient-centered care for those they serve.