Respite House: “Home away from home…”
Our Respite House offers parents an opportunity to take some time off from caring for their family member with a disability. Families who use respite services can run errands, spend time with their other children, take trips out of town, or simply take a much-needed break. The Respite House provides planned day and overnight visits for adolescents and adults. The cozy home, located in a quiet neighborhood in Thornwood, has accommodations for up to six individuals. A respite visit can range from one night to a full week, with longer stays possible if necessary and available. The house is a two-story, wheelchair-accessible Colonial located in a quiet neighborhood in Thornwood, NY. With space for up to six guests, the Respite House offers both single and double bedrooms — each equipped with a TV and modern amenities to ensure a comfortable stay
The Arc Westchester’s Respite House is open 7 days a week, year-round. The Respite House is open 365 days a year and can accommodate visits ranging from just a few hours while you run errands or enjoy a night out to weekend or week-long stays. In emergency situations, we can also arrange extended stays as needed. Our caring staff are highly experienced and trained professionals, maintaining a 4-to-1 individual-to-staff ratio. They are certified in Medication Administration, CPR and First Aid, Crisis Intervention, the use of adaptive equipment, and Fire Safety — ensuring that your loved one is always in good hands.” Recreational activities are planned according to the interests and abilities of our guests, who also have opportunities to learn new independent living skills. Families often use our respite care services as a way of helping both the individual and the caregiver prepare for future residential opportunities. Our Respite House is a Medicaid-funded program designed for individuals aged 17 and older who live at home with their families, are eligible for OPWDD services, and have approved respite units. We proudly serve people of all ability levels, providing a comfortable, safe, and welcoming environment
Eligibility Criteria
Individuals must be eligible for OPWDD services (Office for People with Developmental Disabilities) and be authorized by the Developmental Disabilities Regional Office (DDRO) for Respite Services. Individuals may or may not necessarily have OPWDD Waiver approval and therefore, Medicaid is not required. An intake application and interview along with various supporting documents are required before respite services can be scheduled.
For further information or to request Respite Services, visit our contact page. Someone will get back to you in a timely manner.
