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.
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 Gates (Rochester) and across Western New York in Tonawanda, North Tonawanda, Amherst, Buffalo, Lackawanna, Lockport, Orchard Park, Wheatfield, and Hamburg. 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.
Services
Afternoon Respite
Erie, Niagara and Monroe
After the Bell Respite
Program offers individual opportunity for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, playing in the gym or game room, assistance with homework and community outings.
| Location: | Buffalo |
| Age: | 13-21 |
| 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. |
| Meals: | Dinner and snack are provided. During school breaks, breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack are provided |
| Medications: | Site is not able to pass medications. |
After Work Respite
Program offers individual opportunity for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and community outings.
| 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. |
| Meals: | Snack is provided. |
| Medications: | Site is not able to pass medications. |
Buffalo Afternoon Respite
Program offers individual opportunity for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, playing in the gym or game room, and assistance with homework.
| Location: | Buffalo |
| Age: | 5-12 |
| 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. |
Buffalo Road Respite
| Location: | Rochester |
| Age: | 11-21 |
| 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. |
Iris Afternoon Respite
| Location: | Hamburg |
| Age: | 18+ |
| Hours: | Monday-Friday, 2:15-6:30 p.m. |
| Fees: | Waiver-based, private pay |
| Meals: | Snack is provided. |
| Medications: | Site is not able to pass medications. |
Ken-Ton Afternoon Respite
| Location: | Tonawanda |
| Age: | 10-21 |
| Hours: | Monday-Friday, 2:30-6 pm |
| Fees: | Waiver-based, private pay |
| Transportation: | Arranged and/or provided by the family |
| Meals: | Snack is provided. |
| Medications: | Site is not able to pass medications. |
Late Afternoon Respite
Program offers individual opportunity for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and community outings.
| 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. |
| Meals: | Snack is provided. |
| Medications: | Site is not able to pass medications. |
Mount Hope Afternoon Respite
This afternoon program provides supervision for children and relief for their parents. Activities are available to kids in group and individual formats. Special events occur throughout the year.
| Location: | Rochester |
| Age: | 11-21 |
| Hours: | Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm |
| Meals: | A snack is provided upon arrival. |
Northtown Afternoon Respite
Program offers individual opportunity for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and community outings.
| Location: | Lockport |
| Age: | 10-21 |
| Fees: | Waiver based, and private pay |
| Hours: | Monday-Friday 2:00-6:30 pm |
| Transportation: | Arranged and/or provided by the family. |
| Meals: | Snack is provided. |
| Medications: | Site is not able to pass medications. |
Southtowns Afternoon Respite
Program offers individual opportunity for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, community outings and relationship building.
| Location: | Hamburg |
| Age: | 10-21 |
| Fees: | Waiver based, private pay |
| Hours: | Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm |
| Transportation: | Arranged and/or provided by the family. |
| Meals: | Snack is provided. |
| Medications: | Site is not able to pass medications. |
TLC
Program offers individual opportunity for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and community outings. Full days are offered during school breaks.
| Location: | Amherst |
| Age: | 10-21 |
| Fees: | Waiver based, private pay |
| Hours: | Monday-Friday, 2:00-6:00 pm |
| Transportation: | Arranged and/or provided by the family. |
| Meals: | Snack is provided by the family. |
| Medications: | Site is not able to pass medications. |
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
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.
| Locations: | Depew and Lockport |
| Age: | 18 + |
| 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. |
Respite Houses
Erie & Niagara: Site-based, freestanding respite
Downing Respite House: Bowmansville (Lancaster)
Northtown Respite House: Wheatfield
RE-OPENED: Active enrollments accepted - contact your care manager!
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.
Program: This program offers planned and emergency on-site care, by the hour or overnight - including after school or program hours, for people with developmental disabilities. The site is wheelchair accessible and is available 24/7.
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.
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.
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. |
Mount Hope 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
Site-based Respite
Del-Ton Weekend Respite
Program offers individual opportunity for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and community outings.
| Location: | Tonawanda |
| 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. |
Orchard Park Weekend Respite
Program offers individual opportunity for socialization, arts and crafts, cooking, sensory activities, assistance with homework and community outings.
| 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. |