Respite Assistance
Respite is defined as temporary rest or relief from the constant responsibilities of caring for a family member with a disability. The purpose of Abilis Respite Assistance is to provide families the time to meet the needs of other family members; attend to day – to – day responsibilities and to pursue other interests. Supports are designed in collaboration with family members and include anything that helps the family remain together. Respite assistance can be for a few hours, a day, a weekend, a week or longer. Respite assistance can be made available in a variety of settings including the home, a child care center, family day care, group home, foster home, community recreation programs, summer camps, after school programs, residential facilities or facilities designed specifically for the provision of respite assistance.
Guiding Principles
- Respite is a fundamental family support that is critical to family stability
- Respite must be family centered and family directed
Abilis believes that respite providers must:
- Respect primary caregivers, cultural diversity and the unique needs of each family
- Put the highest value on competent, quality services that are safe, reliable and responsive
Abilis believes that respite assistance should be organized in a way that:
- Maximizes collaboration and coordination
- Makes a variety of options available
- Allows for flexibility in response to individual needs
- Addresses the ever changing respite needs of individuals of all ages and special needs
For more information contact: Karen Feder, Director Youth Services @ 203-324-1880 ext 302 or email:
1150 Summer Street - Stamford, CT 06905 • P 203.324.1880 • F 203.324.4390
