The respite program provides relief to families and loved ones of people with developmental disabilities who need a break from caregiving or who are facing unforeseen circumstances. Family crises or medical emergencies, work scheduling issues, needing
time to run errands, spending quality time with a spouse or other children, vacations, or just needing a break for some time alone to relax and recharge are some of the reasons families use Trinity’s Respite Program. Whatever your personal reason
may be, Trinity Services can help. Trinity offers both in-home and residential respite care.
In-Home Respite
The purpose of Trinity’s In-Home Respite Program is to offer intermittent care for an individual with
a developmental disability in the comfort of his or her own home, providing relief to the primary caregiver.
Respite hours are determined by client needs, funding, worker availability and location. In-home respite care is funded through
a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services, so there is no cost to families receiving respite. Each qualified participant is limited to 360 hours of respite care per year which can be used on a flexible basis, as needed. Families have
the opportunity to work out their own schedules with their respite worker. Caregivers are also encouraged to provide guidance to workers about individual expectations regarding care, supervision and meaningful activities for their loved one. Families
are encouraged to refer their own preferred respite workers (e.g. trusted family members or friends) to be hired by Trinity Services.
Any individual over the age of 3 who has a confirmed diagnosis of a developmental disability and does not currently
receive any other funding for in-home supports may qualify for in-home respite. A request for services can be filled out HERE or via phone or email by contacting Program Coordinator Dawn Knights at 815-485-8146 or dknights@trinityservices.org
Residential Respite
Trinity’s Residential Respite Program provides short-term stays for people with developmental disabilities in one of Trinity’s licensed group homes. Availability depends on current room openings and
the locations’ ability to meet your loved one’s needs.
Residential respite hours are determined by client needs, eligibility, and room availability. Services are funded through a grant from the Illinois Department of Human Services,
so there is no cost to the families receiving respite. Prior to receiving respite services, a person must obtain a physical. If respite care is not urgent, Trinity prefers to meet with the person receiving services along with their loved ones to gain
important information about the person’s medical and behavioral history as well as any guidance or expectations regarding care and supervision.
Any adult (18 years and older) who has a confirmed diagnosis of a developmental disability may
qualify for residential respite. Medical clearance is also required. A request for services can be filled out HERE or via phone or email by contacting Residential Respite Coordinator Melanie Lowe at 815-485-8146 or mlowe@trinityservices.org.
FAQs
What are the requirements to be hired as a respite worker?
Respite workers must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED, and
a valid driver’s license or State ID. They must also pass a background check including fingerprinting and a basic literacy test, and have a positive attitude and enjoy working with people. Respite staff members are NOT trained in interventions
for complex medical or behavioral needs. Caregivers will have the opportunity to meet and approve of their worker before services begin.
Where are respite services provided?
Trinity provides respite services to Will, Grundy, Cook, and St.
Clair counties. Residential services are provided in Trinity’s licensed community-integrated living arrangements (CILAs, also known as group homes) that have a current vacancy.
What training have staff have in the Residential Respite
Program completed?
All staff are direct support professionals (DSPs) trained through Illinois Administrative Code Title 59, Chapter I, Part 115 which includes CPR/first aid, medication authorization, OIG Rule 50 (abuse and neglect) training,
as well as a week-long, 40-hour classroom training and on-the-job training.
What would my loved one do during the day in the Residential Respite Program?
Your loved one would attend one of Trinity’s Community Day Services locations
based on his or her needs/interests. Community Day Services emphasize the development of work and social skills, and the optimization of self-direction.