Respite Care

respite (rĕs'pĭt) n. A usually short interval of rest or relief.

Founded in 1984, the Isaiah Foundation has been providing Respite Care since 1992. As the responsibility of caring for a disabled child or adult often weighs heavily on many families, these few hours or weekend visits by a caregiver adds new vitality to the family structure.

Primary caregivers often need a rest or short vacation to refresh and to address their own needs in order to continue to provide the constant nurturing and care required by their disabled or handicapped family member. Through the use of Respite Care, families have been able to maintain their physically disabled or mentally retarded loved one in their own home. The need for institutionalization is reduced or even eliminated.

Specially trained caregivers lovingly become members of the family as they provide responsible care and supervision. These nurses, teachers, and laypersons are prescreened, trained and recommended by the Isaiah Foundation, but it is the family that hires the caregiver.

Care is provided hourly (minimum 3 hours) or for an extended overnight, weekend, or weeklong stay in the caregivers home or in the family home. Families may receive the equivalent of a maximum of 14 respite days per year. A respite stay of more than 8 hours is considered 1 day. The family pays the caregiver on a sliding scale fee with the Isaiah Foundation subsidizing the rest of the cost of care. The Isaiah Foundation offers relief for both the family and the communities of the Florida counties of Marion, Citrus, and Hernando.

In 2003 the team members serving the Isaiah Foundation became so involved with the needs of this more urban community the Board of Directors advised they become an independent organization. The Isaiah Foundation of Marion County Inc. developed its own bylaws and became an independent tax-exempt organization.

A Patient’s Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

Following are the state of Florida’s version of a Patient’s Bill of Right and Responsibilities, adapted from chapter 91-127, Florida Statue.

A PATIENT HAS THE RIGHT TO:
· Be treated with courtesy and respect.
· A prompt and reasonable response to questions and requests.
· Know who is providing medical services and care.
· Know what patient support services are available.
· Know what rules and regulations apply to his conduct.
· Be given information concerning diagnosis, planned course of treatment, alternatives, risks and prognosis.
· Refuse any treatment, except as otherwise provided by law.
· Be given, upon request, full information and necessary counseling on the availability of financial resources for his care.

A PATIENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:
· Reporting to his health-care provider whether he comprehends a contemplated course of action and what is expected of him.
· Following the treatment plan recommended by his health-care provider.
· Keeping appointments.
· His actions if he refuses treatment or does not follow the health-care providers instructions.
· Assuring that his financial obligations are fulfilled as promptly as possible.
· Following health-care facility rules and regulations affecting care and conduct.

If you are interested in becoming a Respite Care Worker, print this form, complete the information and mail to:
Isaiah Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 430
Yankeetown, FL 32698

PERSONNEL INFORMATION RECORD
RESPITE CARE WORKER

Personal Information record in pdf format
Personal Information record in MS Word

FOR THOSE WISHING TO BECOME A RESPITE WORKER

Respite Agreement Form in pdf format
Respite Agreement Form in MS Word

Respite Reference Form in pdf Format
Respite Refererence Form in MS word

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