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What is the Respite Collaborative?
The Respite Collaborative is a cooperative effort between the Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation (DMR), STAR Inc. Lighting the Way, Kennedy Center Inc., Litchfield ARC (ARC), and ARC Greenwich. This program was designed to increase the availability of respite providers for families with members who have developmental disabilities and to increase the amount respite support. Respite is needed temporary relief from ongoing caregiving responsibilities.
By participating in this program, families having members with disabilities living at home with them can access respite providers trained through the program. The respite services are flexible and coordinated around each individual and their family’s needs. Respite providers can provide services in the family home, in the community, and/or in their home if certified through DMR. This program continues to recruit and train individuals to become respite providers and to certify respite homes to meet the various needs of the families.
Families who are registered with DMR can access these respite services through a referral from their DMR case manager or by contacting one of the participating agency representatives. (The DMR case manager will be notified of any requests made directly to an agency representative.) The local agency representative will work with the family to find a respite provider to meet the family’s needs. It will be the family’s responsibility to interview and hire the respite provider as well as assure payments are made at the conclusion of each respite visit.
For more information, please contact Daniela Buri Kurtz, Project Coordinator, STAR, Inc., 208 East Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06855, 203.855.0634, dkurtz@starinconline.com
Respite at Founders' Cottage
Facility-based respite care is provided by STAR at Founders’ Cottage. A lovely home, located in Norwalk, Founders’ Cottage is co-ed, and can accommodate four individuals at a time. Respite care at Founders’ Cottage is provided for an overnight, a weekend, a week or up to 30 consecutive days, with a maximum of 90 days per year.
Who is Eligible?
Persons with developmental disabilities who are 16 years or older and who reside within the West Region are eligible for respite. All persons must be registered with the Connecticut Department of Mental Retardation and have a DMR number assigned.
What is the Cost?
Respite is provided on a sliding scale fee based on the person’s eligibility for government support, and the ability of the family to pay. Details for each individual are calculated at the time the family registers for respite. The fees are reasonable and scholarships are available based on need.
Founders’ Cottage is staffed by trained professionals and para-professionals, is fully accessible and is licensed on an annual basis by Department of Mental Retardation. Founders’ Cottage is also accredited by CARF (The Commission on the Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities).
Lisa Bolster, Assistant Respite Manager or
Linda Snell, Director of Family Support Services
STAR, Inc.
P.O. Box 470
Norwalk, CT 06852-0470
(203) 846-9581; fax (203) 847-0545
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