Click here to download the respite orientation guide (PDF)

In partnership with the San Andreas Regional Center and funding from the California Department of Developmental Services Special Kids Connect has developed a portfolio or respite resources for regional center families. Its goal is to increase the utilization of respite services among Monterey County residents, including those who are in the county's most underserved communities.  

WHAT IS RESPITE?

Respite is a support service designed to keep a consumer safe while offering time for parents/caregivers to have relief from the constantly demanding responsibility of providing care. Respite is provided at no cost to qualifying San Andreas Regional Center families. 

WHO QUALIFIES FOR RESPITE?

Click here to view the San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) Respite Care Policy (PDF)

Parents/guardians who are responsible for 24-hour care of a regional center consumer (over age 3) may be eligible for respite services. Your San Andreas Regional Center service coordinator can work with you to determine your eligibility. 

HOW MANY HOURS OF RESPITE CAN I RECEIVE?

The respite needs of each family are individually assessed to determine the number of respite hours needed.  A Family Needs Assessment Tool (click here to view PDF) is used to evaluate a consumer's current skill level, support need, and family dynamics and to determine a recommended number of respite hours per month at a given point in time.  A reassessment of a family's respite need should be conducted whenever significant changes occur in the individual's skills or functioning level, family dynamics, or as alternative respite resources are identified.  

Using FMS respite is not difficult.  CLICK HERE to view a short video on how to get started.

WHAT ARE MY RESPITE OPTIONS?

In general, families can choose to have respite provided In-Home or Out-of-Home, or a combination of the two.  The type(s) of respite used does not affect the number of respite hours your consumer is authorized to receive.  

• In-Home Respite Care may be provided by a trusted adult who is selected by the parents ("FMS Respite") or by someone obtained through a professional respite agency ("Agency Respite").
   
• Out-of-Home Respite Care may be available in an outside, licensed facility or a regional center-approved program.  A consumer's family is responsible for transportation and any program costs incurred outside of 1:1 personal care.  Your service coordinator can assist you in understanding the options for your family.

HOW DO I IDENTIFY A CAREGIVER FOR IN-HOME RESPITE FOR MY CONSUMER?

Families have two options.  They can ask a Respite Agency to place a caregiver OR they can identify one on their own.  

• Use a Respite Agency: Professional In-Home Respite agencies are in the business of placing qualified caregivers in consumers' homes.  An agency's ability to find qualified care is often dependent on their current level of staffing and the availability of their caregivers to add hours to their schedules.  Agencies that service Monterey County invite you to call and inquire about their ability to serve you prior to your asking your service coordinator writing an Authorization to Purchase Services (POS).  View a list of Monterey County In-Home Respite Agencies here.  Note: An agency cannot begin work on your behalf until your service coordinator has issued a POS.  Note: An agency cannot guarantee the same worker for each home visit.  
   
• Identify Your Own Caregiver: Families who are able to identify a qualified caregiver may find FMS respite the most desirable option.  FMS stands for Financial Management Service, which is an agency who handles payment of your chosen caregiver.  Families who choose this option complete a regional center "vendor packet" and have their caregiver complete an employment application with the FMS agency. 
  
  Respite Agencies, traditionally, have had a difficult time meeting the needs of Monterey County families -- especially those who live in South Monterey County or those who speak Spanish.  FMS respite can be a fabulous option.  Identifying a caregiver may seem like a bit of a challenge, but try not to give up. A neighbor, teacher's aide, relative...even an adult sibling...are all possibilities.  You can also post the opening on local job boards at community colleges.  Click here for a list of interview questions (PDF) you might want to consider when narrowing down your candidates.  

HOW QUICKLY CAN RESPITE SERVICES BE PUT IN PLACE?

Once a family has determined the type(s) of respite it wishes to pursue, the process toward utilization begins.  The average implementation time ranges from 4 to 6 weeks for Agency Respite to 6 to 8 weeks for Out-of-Home Respite.  Click here to see a Respite Service Process Flowchart (PDF) to understand the steps involved under each option.  

QUESTIONS?  

Special Kids Connect worked with the San Andreas Regional Center to develop a "Frequently Asked Questions" guide (PDF).  If you cannot find an answer to a question you have or if you wish to have an exception considered for your situation, talk to your regional center service coordinator. 

SEEKING A REWARDING POSITION AS A RESPITE CARE PROVIDER? 
Contact these respite care agencies for employment opportunities and information.* 

	24 HOUR HOME CARE 4675 Stevens Creek Blvd. #121 Santa Clara, CA 95051 Tel: (408) 342-1382 Email: [email protected] www.24hrcares.com
	EASTERSEALS CENTRAL CALIFORNIA 9010 Soquel Drive, Suite 1 Aptos, CA 95003 Tel: (831) 684-2166        (831) 566-2866 Email: [email protected] www.easterseals.com/centralcal
	MAXIM RESPITE SERVICES 700 Cass Street, Suite 122 Monterey, CA 93904 Tel: (831) 641-9565 Job seekers, ask for Breanna or Sylvia Email: [email protected] www.maximhealthcare.com
	STABLE LIFE SERVICES 404 Aptos Ridge Circle Watsonville, CA 95076 Tel: (831) 251-0777 Email: [email protected] www.stablelifeservices.org
	PACIFIC HOMECARE SERVICES 150 Cayuga St Suite 2 Salinas, CA 93901 Tel: (831) 844-6266 Email: [email protected] www.pacifichomecare.com
	VICTORIAN HOME CARE 409 Washington Street, Suite 101 Monterey, CA 93940 Tel: (831) 655-1935 Email: [email protected] www.kindredhealthcare.com
*The above agencies are approved vendors of in-home respite services for the San Andreas Regional Center and do not reflect an endorsement by or affiliation with Special Kids Connect.