One of the most requested family support services is respite care.  Respite usually refers to short-term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities in order that their families can be relieved from the daily routine of caregiving. Respite can include overnight care in or out of the individual's home, which may allow family members to take vacations, or just a few hours of time off. 

Department of Mental Retardation (DMR) funded respite care takes a variety forms.  Agencies may provide specially screened and trained workers, or they may reimburse families for hiring their own workers, or both. There are also respite facilities or "houses" in some areas.  Families are usually allocated a certain number of hours or amount of funding on a quarterly or semi-annual basis.  If there is a waiting list for respite care in your area, some agencies will help you find workers that you can pay privately.

If you are in need of respite services and find there is a waiting list in your area, you may need to be creative.  Many Arcs and agencies specific to your family member's disability may be able to help you access funds through private sources, such as fraternal organizations, religious groups or other donors. They may also be able to introduce you to other families in similar situations who have been successful in gaining the same support you are seeking.

You may be able to create the services you need by working with other families. For example, several families on a waiting list for respite care may choose to take turns caring for each other's children, or to share the expenses of a respite care provider for a small group.  Families may choose to approach their school system together to include their children in an existing after-school program. Parents may start their own support group and meet in their homes.  The most important thing to remember is that you are not alone!  Call SNCARC and let us introduce you to other families.  Parent-to-Parent support is probably the best support of all.

For more information contact Veronica Kane at VKANE@SNCARC.ORG.

South Norfolk County Arc
789 Clapboardtree St.
Westwood, MA  02090
Email: DWOOD@SNCARC.ORG
Phone: 781-762-4001 Fax: 781-461-5950
South Norfolk County Arc is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.