Department of Developmental Services 
Southeast Region Respite Home, Taunton, MA

We are pleased to provide unique and specialized respite supports in a home designed to meet the needs of adults with complex medical needs. The Respite Home is managed by the Southeastern Residential Services (SRS) and staffed by nurses around the clock. We have the capacity to provide respite for up to three individuals at a time. We also have the ability to accommodate family members who feel the need to spend an overnight with their daughter or son until they are totally comfortable with the arrangements.

Who is eligible to receive this support?
•	DDS eligible individuals age 18 and older
•	Living at home with their family
•	Currently receiving in-home nursing
                      OR
•	Eligible for MassHealth continuous nursing services (CNS) as authorized by the Community Case Management (CCM) Program 
                    AND/OR
•	Diagnosed with chronic, potentially life threatening medical condition(s) requiring skilled nursing assessments and daily technological and/or medical interventions from trained family, support staff or health professionals

Referral Process
1.	The Pre-screening tool is completed and forwarded to the Medically Complex (MC) Program Specialists serving the applicants region.
2.	If the applicant is screened-in by the regional specialist, the specialist will forward the Southeastern Residential Respite Services application to the family.
3.	If the applicant is currently receiving supports from the MC program, staff from the program may assist the family with completing the application.
4.	If the applicant is not currently receiving supports from the MC program, the application will be forwarded to the family from Beth Moran Liuzzo, Director of Family Support for the Southeast Region.
5.	It is recommended that the applicant’s nurse assist the family in completing the application.
6.	The completed application is then forwarded to Beth Moran Liuzzo (DDS Southeast Region, 68 North Main Street, Carver, MA 02330 or by fax (617)727-7822).
7.	The application is reviewed by Beth and forwarded to SRS Administrative staff.
8.	Staff from SRS will contact the family to schedule a home visit.

FAQ’s

Can an individual who lives in a staffed residence use the respite home?
No – this home was created to provide much needed respite to families who have not been able to access traditional types of respite.

Can a person who is in AFC use the home?
1.	If the person lives in an AFC provider home, the AFC agency is required to provide respite for the caregivers.
2.	If the AFC services are being provided by the individual’s family, in the family home, it would need to be documented that other types of respite are not available to the family and that using the respite home would not violate the rules established regarding AFC.

How long can a person remain in the respite home?
There is no minimum or maximum stay required. These decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis, taking in to consideration all factors involving the individual/family.

Can I use this home for an emergency placement?
This home was not created to serve as an emergency response. Given the complexity of the individual’s medical conditions, it is critical that the SRS nursing staff have the opportunity to meet the individual and her/his family to carefully plan for the visit.