RESPITE CARE

A UCP respite home is a safe and caring place that provides needed relief for families. Respite care is out-of-home, temporary support at a time that is planned or when an unexpected emergency occurs. Planned relief is typically prearranged for regularly scheduled breaks or vacations, while emergency needs can involve hospitalization of the primary caregiver, death in the family, or some other type of family crisis. It cannot be emphasized enough that community respite care is an essential support that allows many people to remain living at home or in the community.

The Respite Care program consists of four fully staffed, barrier free, community homes located in Philadelphia County. Qualified staff members provide 24-hour support to up to three individuals staying in the same respite home. All of UCP’s Respite homes are licensed by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW).

UCP’S Residential Services “rate of staff retention” has been recognized as having the least amount of staff turnover within the state. This low staff turnover rate helps to foster a sense of security, stability and continuity of care for individuals receiving services, as well as for their families.

Each year, approximately 200 individuals, from infants to seniors, with a wide range of disabilities receive UCP’s Respite Care. Respite is available to individuals with a developmental disability or children who have been classified as at risk. In order to stay at a UCP respite home, an individual must not have immediate need for medical or psychiatric hospitalization, or direct-nursing support. Families must be registered for services at a Support Coordinating Organization (SCO), which refers them to UCP, in order to be considered for Respite Care.

You will find answers to some of your questions on the Frequently Asked Questions page. For more information on UCP’s Respite Care program, contact Respite Care Coordinator Karen Anderson at karen_div4@hotmail.com or Director of Residential Services Ralph Mann at 215-248-7610 or resdirector@ucpphila.org. Information is also available at one of the Support Coordinating Organizations.