RESPITE
SERVICES:
"Relief
to families and caregivers from the extraordinary and intensive
demands of providing round-the-clock care"
What
Is Respite?
Respite Care Service is a temporary residential option available
for adults and children with a primary diagnosis of mental retardation.
The primary purpose of respite service is to give relief to families
and caregivers from the extraordinary and intensive demands of
providing round-the-clock care.
The Respite Service Program is annually licensed by the Pennsylvania
Office of Mental Retardation.
What Services Can An Individual Expect
At Respite?
While in Respite, persons are offered opportunities to experience
wide ranges of recreational activities.
Respite staff offer support in the areas of personal hygiene,
community integration, recreation, transportation arrangements,
meal preparation, medication administration and social supports.
Consumers who currently participate with a day program service
or have community jobs would continue to participate with these
activities with no interruption.
Who Is Eligible To Receive Respite Services?
Persons who are eligible to receive Respite Services must have
a primary diagnosis of mental retardation, as well as having active
Support Coordination Services Provided through the county Mental
Health / Mental Retardation System Base Service Unit.
How Can I Arrange For Respite Services?
Families or caregivers wishing to access Respite Services must
contact the individual's Support Coordinator and indicate a desire
for Respite Service. Support Coordinators then contact the Family
Services Incorporated's Respite Coordinator for a tour of the
house, a meet and greet session with the direct care staff and
review of available opportunities for person. Upon completion
of the required documents, the Support Coordinator then advocates
on behalf of the person to the County Office of MH/MR to authorize
payment for that person to participate in Respite Services.
Do I Need To Pay For Respite Services?
Respite Services are provided at no cost to the individual for
the units authorized by the County MH/MR Office. Beyond the authorized
amount, families and caregivers have the option pay for services.
Families/caregivers will be billed following their Respite stay,
for any outstanding balance owed.
What Should A Person Bring To Respite
For Their Stay?
o Extra clothes/shoes
o All current medication in the original pharmacy container.
o Spending money
