RESPITE
Respite, a break for caregivers and families, is a service in which temporary care is provided to children or adults with disabilities. Respite can occur in out-of-home and in-home settings for any length of time, depending on the needs of the family and number of hours available. Most often respite care takes place in the families own home where professional care-givers provide an opportunity for parents to have some time to themselves--to shop, to visit the dentist or doctor, or to spend time with other children or a spouse. Respite can sometimes feel like a mini vacation for the guardian that allows them time to rejuvenate and refresh themselves so that they may return to their families with a brighter outlook.
CDE also has 3 respite homes if you need an extended amount of time away. Caregivers can arrange with CDE administration and their support coordinators for coverage during vacations, or just overnighters.

HABILITATION
Habilitation is teaching an individual new developmental skills, which are predetermined by the ISP team. Habilitation could be referred to as “self help therapy”. Habilitation teaches an individual how to do the simple things we take for granted. Things like brushing your teeth, dressing, potty training, social skills (like getting along with siblings), safety around the house and outside, etc. These skills are taught in steps to establish more independence and confidence within an individual with a developmental disability.

ATTENDANT CARE
Attendant Care is assisting an individual with activities of daily living. This service can occur in the individual’s home or in the community. Duties of attendant care are identified in the ISP and may include light house work, shopping, cooking, toileting, bathing, laundry, transferring to or from wheelchair, dressing, etc.