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Respite program participants--a young blond boy with glasses and a blonde girl with glasses sit on either side of a female staff member, all smiling and sitting on a beanbag chair.

Where Friends and Fun Meet...

Respite care is an essential part of the overall support that families may need to keep their family member with a disability at home. The word "respite" means to take a break from the daily challenges of caring for a loved one of any age with special needs. It can be planned for a few hours or for as long as a weekend. Respite can take place in your home or temporarily in another setting, such as a day center or in the community. 

Respite can take place regularly or intermittently, as you need it; however, it does need to be planned in advance.

Admissions

FAQ

Who can receive respite services?

Families of people who have documented developmental disabilities are eligible for respite services. Some Respite Programs serve limited age groups.

Is there a cost for respite?

Most respite programs are funded by the Medicaid Waiver and for people enrolled in the HCBS Waiver there is no charge.

What are the types of respite that People Inc. offers?

People Inc. offers in-home respite, agency-supported, self-directed and site-based respite services. Site-based respite services may be offered after school, on weekends, or on an as-needed basis at a People Inc. Free Standing Respite House.

What are the differences between the types of respite programs?

  • In-home respite: Provides a break from care in the family's own home. Hours are set up individually with the respite worker.
  • Site-based respite: Offered outside of the family's home.
  • Afternoon respite services: At a time when their peers may no longer need supervision after school, some children with intellectual/developmental disabilities still need supervision, support and/or structured activities. Afternoon respite offers fun activities provided by our trained staff (like cooking, games, or art projects), homework help, or the opportunity to hang out with new friends and take a break.
  • Recreational respite opportunities: This respite service offers people the chance to become more active and involved in the community. Staff members accompany them on recreational activities such the movies, bowling, restaurants, etc. This is a great time to meet new people and try new activities!
  • Respite Houses: These free standing respite sites are designed to offer a safe and supportive environment as needed to people and their families. Our well-trained and caring staff are on site whenever we have a guest. In addition to providing for a person's care needs, our staff offer fun and creative activities at the house and in the community, so families get a break and the guests who stay with us enjoy a mini-vacation as well. Families may choose to schedule hourly time or a number of days as best meets their needs.

Where are respite sites located?

People Inc. has respite sites located in Rochester and across Western New York in Amherst, Buffalo, Depew, Hamburg, Kenmore, Lockport, and Orchard Park. Respite may also be provided in your own home.

What type of training do staff members receive?

People Inc. staff members are offered a variety of specialized training programs which are updated annually. Each staff member receives two weeks of full time training before they come to work at their site. Trainings are designed to prepare staff to support each person's needs. Additional training is provided on an ongoing basis throughout an employee's career at People Inc.

Is transportation to or from program included?

In general, families are responsible for transporting their family member to and from Respite. Some school districts will provide transportation to respite sites and then families pick them up to take them home.

How do I apply for respite services?

Speak with your care coordinator about the type of respite services that you are interested in so that they are able to help you complete the appropriate application forms. If you do not have a care  coordinator, the People Inc. Admissions Department can help.

How long is the wait for respite services?

Waitlists vary between respite sites, however, we do our very best to meet family needs.

Afternoon Respite

Erie, Niagara and Monroe

Provides fun and exciting activities for people who attend, while families get a break knowing their family member is well cared for.
 

Locations & Program Highlights

After the Bell Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, playing in the gym or game room, assistance with homework and going out into the community.

Location: Buffalo
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:30-6:00 pm
9:30 am-6:00 pm during school breaks
Fees: Waiver based, and private pay
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.


After Work Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and going out into the community.

Location: Depew
Age: 18 and up
Fees: Waiver based, and private pay
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Buffalo Afternoon Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, playing in the gym or game room, and assistance with homework.

Location: Buffalo
Age: Elementary to Middle School graduation
Hours: Monday-Friday 2:30-6:00 pm 
Fees: Waiver based, and private pay
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Buffalo Road Respite

Location: Rochester
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Fees: Waiver based, and private pay
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm
Transportation: Transportation is available for students in the Gates Chili Central School District. All other transportation must be arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Fun with Friends Afternoon Respite

Activities are available to youth in group and individual formats. Special events occur throughout the year. 

Location: Rochester
Age: Elementary to Middle School graduation
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm
Fees: Waiver based, private pay.
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Hazelwood Afternoon Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, and playing in the gym or game room.

Location: Amherst
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Hours: Monday-Friday 2:30-6:00 pm when school is in session.
Fees: Waiver based, and private pay
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Hazelwood Vacation Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, and playing in the gym or game room. Activities in the community include visiting parks, restaurants, movies and much more.

Location: Amherst
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Fees: Waiver based, private pay
Hours: Monday through Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm during week-long school breaks
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Iris Afternoon Respite

Location:           Hamburg
Age: 18 and up
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:15-6:30 p.m.
Fees: Waiver-based, private pay
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Ken-Ton Afternoon Respite

Location: Kenmore
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:30-6 pm
Fees: Waiver-based, private pay
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Late Afternoon Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and going into the community.

Location: Buffalo
Age: 18 and up
Fees: Waiver based, and private pay
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Northtowns Afternoon Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and going out into the community.

Location: Lockport
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Fees: Waiver based, and private pay
Hours: Monday-Friday 2:00-6:30 pm
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


OP Afternoon Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, and playing in the gym or game room.

Location: Orchard Park
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Hours: Monday-Friday 2:00-6:00 pm when school is in session.
Fees: Waiver based, and private pay
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 



Southtowns Afternoon Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, relationship building and going out into the community.

Location: Hamburg
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Fees: Waiver based, private pay
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


TLC Afternoon Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and going out into the community. Full days are offered during school breaks.

Location: Amherst
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Fees: Waiver based, private pay
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.


“My grandson LOVES attending this program where he makes friends and enjoys the activities! I KNOW that he is safe and well cared for while he is with People Inc., so I don’t have to worry. The patient and engaged staff make sure that EVERYONE feels important and valued.”

– Tabitha Retzer, grandmother and guardian of a People Inc. Respite Program participant
 

Agency-Supported In-Home Respite

Buffalo and Rochester

A service which provides relief to families/caregivers who are responsible for the primary care and support of a person with an intellectual and developmental disability. Families/caregivers hire and manage their own staff while the agency handles training and payroll. Staff can be a family friend or a family member.

Extended Family Respite Reimbursement

Allows families to have their friends, relatives and neighbors provide respite services and receive a subsidy for their care by People Inc.

Location: In caregiver's home
Age: Any age accepted
Fees: FSS funded - People Inc. provides a subsidy for the cost of the care.

 

In-Home Respite

Buffalo and Rochester

Provides relief to families/caregivers who are responsible for the primary care and support of a person with an intellectual and developmental disability. When a family member/caregiver needs a break, respite services can ensure that their loved one's needs are met. In-home respite can be provided during the day, evenings or overnight.

Recreation Respite

Erie and Niagara

Two young women with light brown hair in an arcade setting, playing a colorful game with joysticks.

A fun and interactive program, affords adults the opportunity to socialize with peers, learn new skills through cooking classes and have enjoyable experiences with unique community activities (i.e. Shea’s Theatre, bowling, sporting events and dinner). We offer several different outings each week and participants can sign up for any or all of them that fit their schedules, budgets and interests. Attendees also enjoy learning about etiquette and supporting one-another in their own community activities (i.e. attending plays or musicals) as well as promoting friendships.
 

Program Highlights

Locations: Depew and Lockport
Age: 18  and up
Hours: Monday-Friday 2:30-6:00 pm 
Fees: Waiver based, and private pay
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Meals: Snack is provided
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.


Admissions

Respite Houses

Erie & Niagara: Site-based, freestanding respite

A wheelchair accessible one-level home made of red brick with a black roof and white trim, surrounded by small well-manicured hedges and a cluster of colorful flowers

These comfortable house settings offer planned and emergency on-site care, by the hour or overnight - including after school or program hours, for people with developmental disabilities. The sites are wheelchair accessible and are available 24/7. Parents and other family members get a break, while guests have a great time with fun activities. Our knowledgable staff work individually and in groups to accommodate varied interests.

Downing Respite House: Bowmansville (Lancaster)
Northtown Respite House: Wheatfield
 

Program Highlights

Age: 10 and Up
Fees: Waiver-based and private pay.
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks are provided.
Medications: Staff is certified to pass medications and is supervised by an RN.
Recreation: Recreational activities include, but are not limited to, outings to the mall, Lasertron and movies. Arts and crafts, sports activities and help with homework are also available.


Admissions

Rochester Afternoon Hourly Respite

Monroe

An afternoon program that provides supervision for children and young adults, while providing relief for their parents. Activities are available in group and individual formats and can include: games, sports, arts/crafts, recreation, homework help and socialization. Special events occur throughout the year.

Locations & Program Highlights

Buffalo Road Respite

Age: 11-21
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm
Fees: Waiver based, private pay
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Meals: Light snack is provided.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Fun with Friends Afternoon Respite

Age: 11-21
Hours: Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm
Fees: Waiver based, private pay.
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Meals: A snack is provided upon arrival.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

Weekend Opportunities

Erie

People who attend on Friday and Saturday afternoon/evening spend time with friends enjoying both in-house activities and community events, while parents/caregivers enjoy quality weekend time.

Locations & Program Highlights

Del-Ton Weekend Opportunities Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and participating in the community.

Location: Buffalo
Age: 18 and up
Fees: Waiver based, private pay
Hours: Friday 6 - 10 pm, Saturday 5:30 - 10:30 pm
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Meals: Snacks are provided.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Hazelwood Weekend Opportunities Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, and playing in the gym or game room. Activities in the community include visiting parks, restaurants, movies and much more.

Location: Amherst
Age: Middle School to High School graduation
Fees: Waiver based, private pay
Hours: Saturday 9:00 am - 3:30 pm from the beginning of September to June 8
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Meals: People participating bring a packed lunch. Snacks are also provided.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

 


Orchard Park Weekend Opportunities Respite

Program offers individualized opportunities for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and participating in the community.

Location: Orchard Park
Age: 18 and up
Fees: Waiver based, private pay
Hours: Friday 6 - 10 pm, Saturday 5:30 - 10:30 pm
Transportation: Arranged and/or provided by the family.
Meals: Snacks are provided.
Medications: Site is not able to pass medications.

Site-based Respite  |   Admissions >