• What RESPITE Care Offers
• New experiences for the family with the disability.
  
• Strengthening of sibling relationships.
  
• Relief from the possible emotional stress of caring for a family member with a disability.
  
• Short term help before and after school.
• Relief during illness.
• Help with appointments, errands, and attending to duties necessary for household management.
• Help so parents can spend time together or with other siblings.
  

• Criteria for Receiving Services not just the child with a disabilngs also.
  
• 6-hour per month are provided.  Services can be provided in either 2-3 hour increments or 1-6 hour time frame.
  
• A nominal program fee for service is charged for each visit based on a sliding scale fee.  A copy of your most recent income tax return will be required for determining your program fee.  No family is denied services due to financial hardship.
  
• All families participating in the SMRS program are expected to complete and return a quality assurance survey ever quarter before their next respite care time can be assigned.
  
• Families are also expected to provide 6 hours a year of volunteer services at FND events.
  
• All families participating in the SMRS program are expected to complete and return a quality assurance survey form before their next respite care time can be assigned.
  
• Families are also expected to provide 6 hours a year of volunteer services at FND events.
  
  Training and Qualified Staff
  All Respite Care Workers receive training in the following areas:
• First Aid/CPR/Universal Precautions, Medication Dispensing
• Behavioral Training from a certified Behavioral Analysts
• Occupational Therapy & Sensory Issues Training from a Licensed OT
• All workers receive a fully stocked "Tool Kit" of games, toys, crafts, and sensory tools to use with the children.
• All Respite Care Workers are Personally Interviewed, Drug Screened, Fingerprinted,
  and go through a State of Florida and FBI Background Screening.
  
  Overcoming Initial Fears of Respite Care
  We have found that the longer a family waits to use respite care services, the more difficult it is for them to start.
  
  Parents tend to get into patterns of “always being there”, thinking that they are the only ones who can give good care to their child with a disability or special needs. All human beings have a need to occasionally escape from our daily obligations and do something different to replenish themselves. Everyone needs rest and relaxation once in a while.
  
  Some families may be reluctant to use respite because of a feeling of discomfort over what they see as relinquishing control of their child’s safety and well being. Parents who feel this way need to realize that staying home can be a valid use of respite services also. Parents may prefer to do housework, pay bills, or read a book. Parents may also want to ease into using our respite services and gain confidence.
  
  Our goal is to make you feel secure enough to leave your child with a respite care worker when you are ready.

• 
  
  1. Our Program is Funded By:
     
  2. Agency for Persons with Disabilities-Medwaiver Provider
     Anonymous and In-Kind Donations
     Lakewood Ranch Community Fund
     Entre Nous Club Inc.
     Fundraising and Donations
     Knight Donor Advised Fund
     Manatee County Children’s Services
     The Parker Foundation
     Sarasota County Grants In Aid
     United Way Of Manatee County
     Nominal Program Fees
     

For More Information Contact: 941-704-9223
Elyse Ingle - SMRS Family Liason
Deborah Hobson - Program Coordinator

We Are Located At:
Community Haven for Adults and Children with Disabilities (CHAC)
44o5 DeSoto Road, Sarasota, FL