Respite and Family Support

Respite services give caregivers of people with disabilities a helping hand by providing trained staff to step in for a brief period.

In comparing Easterseals RISE respite and famiy supports to other programs or providers, here are some things to consider:

• Easterseals RISE is part of Easterseals Arc, which operates a house in Fort Wayne dedicated to respite services. The fully furnished house has multiple bedrooms for overnight stays and is stocked with a variety of recreational supplies.

• Respite services can be scheduled to suit your family’s needs, or you can check our monthly respite calendar to find activities or themed days that interest your loved one. 

• In addition to providing services at the respite house, we also schedule respite outings and trips such as visiting the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum or riding the Whitewater Valley train.

• We partner with other community organizations to offer Parents Night Out several times a year. On these evenings, we provide respite care for individuals with special needs and their siblings while parents and caregivers enjoy a relaxing evening out. Watch our Facebook page for upcoming dates and locations.

• We also can accommodate emergency respite needs, such as when a caregiver suddenly becomes ill or injured.  

• Additional family supports include one-on-one parent mentorships and sibling support groups called Sibshops.

Quick Facts 

Hours: The Respite House in Fort Wayne is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, except major holidays.

Medical care: All staff are CPR certified and trained on first aid and dispensing medication. Staff also are trained on each individual’s specific information.

Accreditation: Respite is a CARF-accredited program.