What is Respite?
HCA's respite services provide temporary overnight relief to
families and caregivers of individuals with developmental disabilities.
Respite helps family cope with the daily challenges with special
needs.
Who can use HCA's Respite?
Respite can be used by children, adolescent, and adults who are
enrolled in the home and community based services (HCBS) waiver
program. A typical stay for an individual or consumer ranges from
one day to one week, depending upon availability.
How much does a Respite day cost?
The cost of supervision and meals at respite house is covered as a
waiver service and is funded through the New York state office of
mental retardation and developmental disabilities (OMRDD) and its (HCBS)
waiver program.
HCA has operated an overnight weekend respite since 1993. The
program was originally funded solely through a Member Item Grant
sponsored by Senator Thomas Libous. Currently, the program also
receives funds from a Broome Tioga OMRDD Family Support Grant.
Initially, Senator Libous answered the request of families to
have a program that would provide them a true respite or break. The
respite would help families cope with the daily challenges
encountered when raising a child with special needs.
The program has grown over the years to accommodate a greater
number of families and children. Our new respite house is located at
147 Front Street, Binghamton, NY 13905.
HCA respite staff provide quality care for each individual.
Individual beds are provided for the consumers. Staff consists of
residential counselors and nurses. In addition, there
are medically and behaviorally trained staff.
Each session is planned to provide opportunities for community
integration and recreational activities. Activities have
included movies, hockey or baseball games, and eating at
restaurants. Natural opportunities for life skill training occur at
restaurants and on public transit, which is our primary mode of
transportation.
In order to enroll in the program, an intake must be completed.
The intake will include the following documentation:
- Documentation of individual's developmental disability
- Current physical
- Copy of immunization
- A current copy of the individual ISP
- Current doctors orders for all medication and treatments
If you would like further information contact HCA's Respite
Director, Rich Ruggiero at
348-0417, ext. 561.
