The Respite Service Programs are designed to provide temporary relief for primary caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) while ensuring their loved ones continue to receive appropriate care and supervision. Serving families throughout the five boroughs of New York City, these flexible services are tailored to each family’s unique needs and preferences, allowing caregivers time to attend medical appointments, work, run errands, rest, or take a short break from their caregiving responsibilities. At the same time, individuals receive supportive care, participate in meaningful activities, and remain engaged in a safe, person-centered environment.
The Core Functions of the Respite Service Programs
The Respite Service Programs are individualized to meet the needs of each family and generally provide support in the following areas:
Caregiver Relief
Gives family caregivers time to attend medical appointments, work, run errands, rest, or take a vacation while their loved one receives appropriate supervision.
Recipient Care
Assists individuals with daily living activities such as household chores, meal supervision, homework support, safe housekeeping, and monitoring self-administered medications.
Socialization
Encourages participation in recreational activities and cognitive stimulation at home or within the community to promote engagement and social interaction.
Available Respite Service Programs
Heritage Human Services, Inc. offers the following respite service options based on each family’s needs and preferences.
In-Home Respite Service Program
The In-Home Respite Service Program provides one-to-one care and supervision for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the comfort of their own home. This flexible service allows caregivers to manage personal responsibilities while trained staff provide individualized support based on each family’s schedule and needs.
Features include:
- One-to-one in-home care and supervision
- Flexible scheduling based on the caregiver’s needs
- Support provided by staff experienced in serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
- Temporary caregiver relief while individuals remain in their familiar home environment
Group Weekend/Recreation Respite Service Program
The Group Weekend/Recreation Respite Service Program provides weekend respite for caregivers while individuals participate in supervised social and recreational activities within the community. Activities are selected according to each participant’s age, interests, preferences, and skill level, creating opportunities for meaningful community participation and social engagement.
Participants may enjoy:
- Movies
- Bowling
- Dining at local restaurants
- Visits to parks
- Museums
- Community events and street fairs
All activities are supervised by trained staff experienced in supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility requirements for the Respite Service Programs are the same as those applicable to all HCBS Waiver services.
Individuals or families interested in the In-Home Respite Service Program, the Group Weekend/Recreation Respite Service Program, or both services may contact the Heritage Human Services, Inc. Intake Department by:
- Email: intake@heritagehumanservices.org
- Phone: 718-444-4340
What to Expect
Respite services are designed around each family’s individual needs, allowing caregivers to schedule temporary support when needed while their loved one receives appropriate supervision and assistance. Depending on the selected program, services may be provided in the individual’s home or through supervised recreational activities within the community. Both respite options emphasize person-centered support, meaningful engagement, and flexible scheduling to help meet the needs of individuals and their caregivers.
Discover Available Community Programs
Contact us to learn more about available programs and discuss the support that best fits your needs. Our team can provide information about program options, eligibility, and the next steps for getting started.