Respite for Caregivers

Since 1982, WJCS has provided in-home respite services to Westchester families caring for either a dependent older person or a child with an intellectual or developmental disability. Known as Project Time-Out, respite services allow caregivers the opportunity to attend to medical, social, recreational, or business matters while providing stimulating companionship, supervision and socialization to the client.

Program coordinators offer free assessments of a family’s respite needs and information regarding the range of WJCS services, as well as programs throughout Westchester County that enrich the lives of senior citizens. Carefully screened, experienced and trained consultants are matched with families to offer relief from care-giving responsibilities on a flexible basis. The cost for families requesting an in-home companion and who are caring for an older dependent adult is based on the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services EISEP sliding scale, determined by the income and expenses of the older adult or married couple. Respite services also may be arranged privately.

Project Time-Out also offers caregivers of older adults an Escort Program that enables caregivers to enlist an escort to accompany their loved ones 60 years or older to a doctor visit, shopping trip, errand, movie or restaurant. Escorts do not drive. The Escort Program is funded by the Westchester County Department of Senior Programs and Services and the escort service is free. Users are responsible for transportation costs only for their relative and the escort if they travel by taxi or bus. If ParaTransit is used, the escort usually rides for free.

Families caring for children with developmental disabilities and their siblings are eligible for partial reimbursement available through the Hudson Valley Developmental Disabilities Service Office. Respite services also may be arranged privately.