“We strive to understand each person’s hopes and dreams as well as needs for support. Our primary goal is each person’s success in his/her life’s journey.”

Lisa Ames, Executive Director

What is Respite?

Respite is a temporary relief of care designed for families of children or adults with special needs. Respite provides a break for the caregivers to revitalize themselves before again resuming the daily routine of caring for a family member with special needs. Respite is a necessary part of the overall support system of strengthening and improving the quality of life for all family members.

With respite funding, families can arrange for respite in their:

  • Own home
  • Out of home
  • In the community

Respite provides:

  • a break in care for the special needs person and family
  • a rest for the parents/caregivers
  • a special time for the person with the disability or special need
  • a special time for the parents to spend together
  • a special time for the siblings to spend with the parents

Who provides respite?

Independent Disability Services’ Respite Program utilizes the “consumer-directed” respite model.

This model is similar to having a friend or relative care for a child or adult with special needs. The primary difference is that the person providing care is identified or selected by the family and trained by the families themselves. The person providing respite must be an adult who does not live in the household or provide ongoing care for the individual with special needs.  Families are reimbursed for respite  through our respite  voucher system.  This voucher program is offered directly to family caregivers to allow them to locate, hire, train, and pay their own providers.

How can my family make the best use of respite?

Plan how you will use the respite time. Some families like a weekly break. Others prefer longer breaks once or twice a month. Families who plan their respite use are more refreshed by the respite. Schedule respite in advance on your calendar. Respite can bring peace of mind to a family.

Here are some ways that families use respite:

  • Go out to dinner as a couple
  • Go to see a movie
  • Spend time with the other child/children
  • Go for a walk, read a book, relax
  • Get shopping done in a leisurely fashion