Family Support Services
Family Support Respite Services
The New Visions Family Support Department provides in-home respite services to families who have individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities residing with them. The purpose of in-home respite services is to provide families with the opportunity to take a much needed break as our staff supervise, socialize, and assist with family members. A variety of activities are planned both within the home and in the community.
When Are Respite Services Provided?
We provide services during the weekday evening hours (usually from 5:00 p.m.) and during the day and evening hours on the weekends. Currently, we are not able to provide overnight respite to our families. Respite services can be arranged in advance, on a scheduled basis, or as the need arises, such as in the case of emergency situations or an unexpected trip.
How Often Can Respite Services Be Used?
You can request services as frequently as you wish. Our goal is to honor all requests, however, there may be times when we do not have a respite worker available. In this case, the coordinator will try to make alternative arrangements.
Who Will Provide the Respite Services?
All of our respite workers are current employees of New Visions and work in opther program areas such as our Day Habilitation, Day Training, Residential, and Evening Recreation Programs. Therefore, our staff may already know or have had the opportunity to meet your family member prior to going to your home. You can also talk with and/or meet your respite worker prior to the provision of respite services. You need only call the coordinator of family support services and make the necessary arrangements.
What Type of Activities Are Provided?
There are a variety of activities in which your family member can participate. Examples include: walking, going to the park, exploring nature trails, going to the museum, playing games inside your home or outside, watching television and videos, listening to music, going out to lunch or dinner, doing household chores, learing a new skill, and many, many, more. You and your family member can select the activities which will take place. Of course, the respite workers are also available to provide suggestions.
How Are Respite Services Paid For?
The respite workers are paid by New Visions. If you wish your family member to participate in a specific activity which has an associated fee or cost, we ask that you pay for both your family member and the respite worker. However, always remeber that there are plenty of free and inexpensive activities in which to participate.
For more information, please contact Bernice Hopkins, Family Support Coordinator, New Visions, 334 Krumkill Road, Slingerlands, New York 12159, (518) 935-4335, or via email at bhopkins@newvisionsofalbany.org