UCP | Family Respite Services

UCP’s Family Respite Service

Caring for a child with developmental disabilities like autism, epilepsy, intellectual disability, Down syndrome and cerebral palsy is a 24/7 job that can have severe emotional and physical repercussions on the family. Respite care is a proven prevention technique that not only protects caregiver health and well-being, but prevents out-of-home placements and reduces the risk of abuse or neglect.

How the Family Respite Program works
UCP serves 685 clients in the Family Respite Program, and about one quarter of them are single mothers. Because more than 85 percent of UCP clients are considered low- or middle-income, most of these parents cannot afford child care and are at risk for burnout or breakdowns.

Respite care is available to families caring for someone living with developmental disabilities. The program gives parents the freedom to complete activities we take for granted in our everyday lives:

Running errands
Taking care of household concerns
Spending time with other children in the family

Meanwhile, parents also have the comfort of knowing that their child is being cared for by a dedicated and well-trained UCP team member.

UCP provides respite services across our eight counties, including cities like Davis, Woodland, Winters, West Sacramento, Roseville, Rocklin, Elk Grove, Placerville, Auburn, Granite Bay and Citrus Heights.

Success in Respite
When Jennifer’s twins, Shane and Shelby, were born 11 weeks premature, Shane suffered minimal effects, but Shelby was diagnosed with multiple challenges, including cerebral palsy and epilepsy. Eight years later, Jennifer is relieved to partner with UCP’s respite program to make sure Shelby is in good hands while she spends time with Shane, runs errands or enjoys a date with her husband. Meanwhile, Shelby has fun singing, reading, taking walks, going to the mall and library, working on homework and playing games. "Respite care has been a lifesaver. They’ve just been phenomenal – giving me the break that I desperately need," Jennifer said.

In-Home care makes a difference
It goes without saying that caregiving is a difficult job, but few know just how devastating the results can be when a family does not receive respite care. According to the National Family Caregivers Association:

Women who are family caregivers are 2.5 times more likely to live in poverty.
Caregiving families’ median incomes are more than 15% lower.
Family caregivers providing more than 36 hours of care per week are more likely to experience symptoms of depression or anxiety.