Through our Respite Services we provide short-term, intermittent care for persons with a diagnosis of Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Epilepsy or Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities in their natural, guardian or foster family home. Our staff is sent into the family home to provide care for the individual with special needs, as well as any siblings under the age of 18. This allows the primary caregivers the opportunity to attend community events with the comforting knowledge that their children are being well cared for in their absence.
The basis of the In-Home Respite Care program is to defer or deter residential placement of individuals who have a developmental disability, by relieving the family members who experience extraordinary stress associated with the regular care-giving role. If the family is to function as a supportive unit, then the family itself must be supported. Demands on a family’s time, energy, financial resources and emotional commitment can be detrimental to all members. Family support, through respite care, helps to strengthen the family unit so it can function to its potential.
In addition to providing Respite Care for families, we also assists families in accessing other available services for their child by providing referral services and to assure that the families’ needs are best met. This department also provides CPR/First Aid training for families at no charge.
This program serves families in southwest suburban Cook and northern Will Counties, as well as the Chicago neighborhoods of Beverly, Mt. Greenwood and Morgan Park.