Caring for a loved one with a disability is a continuous responsibility that often leaves a caretaker in need of a break. Understanding that each family and individual is unique, respite can come in many forms and options:

• 1:1 Respite: MCS has a small pool of direct care staff that can work with your family member.
• Family Identified Respite: sometimes families are more comfortable having people that they know provide respite for their family member. MCS can coordinate with providing a stipend to those individuals that they have identified to work with their family member.
• Planned Facility-Based Respite: with a referral from a DDS Service Coordinator, weekend respite is offered at our accessible house in Westfield. Guests can check-in on a Friday night and check-out late Sunday afternoon after a weekend of individually tailored activities.
• Group Respite: this has proven to be one of the most creative and most desired respite options provided through MCS. A broad range of opportunities are offered throughout the year with activities designed to appeal to people with varied interests and skills. Participants are instrumental in the selection and planning of activities.

Respite services needs to be discussed and agree upon with the Service Navigator and/or DDS. Some respite options may be limited due to funding or program requirements.