Northeast Residence Inc.

The respite care home provides short-term care for families who have opted to keep their children born with developmental disabilities at home.  Since opening in 1981, this program has provided overnight out-of-home care for six individuals at a time for nearly 400 families.

Short-term care or respite-care as we now refer to it, is available to children and adults of all ages over 5.  A primary diagnosis or mental retardation or related conditions is a requirement of this program.  This service is intended to offer support and periodic breaks from the day-to-day care for families who have a child with disabilities living at home.  The minimum stay is 2 days with a maximum not to exceed 29 days.  Typically, families who access the respite-care services can expect one visit nearly every month.  Most visits are for 4-6 days and rarely exceed 2 weeks.  Services are provided to families from the 5 county metro areas, but are available to anyone in the state.   Beginning in January 2001, NER  expanded its respite-care services to include 2 beds for individuals in wheelchairs, 24 hour on site nursing services are not available.  NER does not have the expertise to provide services for medically fragile individuals or those who need on site nursing staff.

Currently individuals being served in the respite-care program range in age from 5-86 years.  The need for respite varies.  The primary goal has always been to help provide periodic breaks for the child with disabilities and other family members.  NER recognizes the stress that is often times associated with the day-to-day care of a child or adult with special needs.  Many of the families experience children with challenging behaviors, severe seizure disorders, and/or inabilities to communicate effectively. As the realization becomes more apparent that this is not a short-term situation, families often begin to realize that support services will be needed. This is especially important because in years to come, and parents age, new decisions regarding long-term care are often necessary.

To address that need, an evolving function of respite care is to offer a transitional living experience for individuals.  This experience helps prepare families to live apart from one another; while at the same time providing a break from one another.  Often it is a client's first step toward independence. It is also the first step in helping parents allow others to share in the care-giving of their sons or daughters lives. 

NER is also used in times of unexpected difficulties.  NER is often times able to respond with emergency placements when there is a death or illness in a family, and during other critical times.  Over 100 different families use the respite care program annually.   

With a limited number of beds, Northeast Residence, has taken the position that a little help for more is better than more help for some and none for others.  NER does not turn people away because we have too many people to serve. What does happen though, is that it may take 2, 3 or even 4 months or more to complete the application process and fit someone into the schedule.

Referrals typically come via word from other families and/or county case managers.  Applications can be sent upon request by calling Gail Hays at (651) 765-0238.

Scheduling for respite-care services is done quarterly and is based on family need and the “request for dates forms”.  Client mix for example; age, gender, ability, disability, vulnerability, and other things necessary to ensure a good experience for all involved, must be considered when scheduling respite-care visits.

Many of the individuals NER has served have been coming to "RESPITE" since the program opened.  One of the main focal points of the respite-care program that has evolved over time, is that as with all children, as they grow into adulthood, many will move from the family home.  The time spent at the respite-care home has helped prepare both child and parents for this event. For most, this move is often into a new home that is shared with 2 or 3 others.  Many of the families who have received NER respite-care services share the belief that the” weaning” process provided by NER has been invaluable.  The adjustment from living at home with parents into a home shared with peers has been much easier for their sons and daughters because of the respite-care experience.