#1 Partner for Lifelong IDD Support

Respite & Backup Care: What Happens When Hosts Need Time Off

Even caregivers need care—how Alora helps hosts find balance and plan for time off.

Even caregivers need care.

At Alora, we believe that supporting someone well also means supporting the people who make that support possible. Shared living works best when hosts can find balance—when they can take a deep breath, step away for a moment, and return refreshed.

That’s where respite and backup care come in. These moments of pause aren’t about stepping away from responsibility; they’re about sustaining it.

Finding Balance in Shared Living

Caring for another person is meaningful, but it can also be demanding—physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our shared living hosts give their all, pouring energy into daily routines, appointments, meals, and countless small acts of connection. But even the most devoted caregivers need rest.

We help our providers plan for that balance early. It might look like scheduling a short break with trusted family members or bringing in temporary support while the host takes time to recharge. While respite care arrangements vary by state and circumstance, the philosophy stays the same: taking care of yourself helps you take better care of someone else.

It’s not about walking away—it’s about returning renewed.

About Author

Nicole Kanaman, Ph.D., BCBA, has worked in the field of IDD support services since 2012. After building a background in behavioral psychology and clinical work, she and her husband opened their home to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in 2017. Becoming a Shared Living provider gave Nicole firsthand experience supporting individuals around the clock and a new perspective on the gaps families can face when seeking the right support. That experience became the foundation for Alora Supports, where her professional expertise and firsthand understanding of the work came together.

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