The 10 models of respite care for families of the retarded identified include: respite placement agencies, group day care, community residences, residential treatment facilities, group residential care, nursing homes, private inhome care, state institutions, camperships, and funding conduit. (Author/DB)

Home based respite care for severely retarded and severely disabled persons was evaluated through questionnaires completed by 91 respite care units over a six month period. Ratings of clients' level of disability were compared to those of clients served in the same region in previous years. Disability levels of clients denied services by the pilot…

Findings of an evaluation of a pilot home-based respite care program designed to serve 35 severely mentally retarded and disabled persons were reported. Results indicated that respite care services had never been previously received by 51.8% of the families. (Author/SB)

Describes respite care, a temporary relief service for families with developmentally disabled members at home, as an essential element in preventing institutionalization of disabled persons. Major approaches for providing respite care are identified. The advantages and disadvantages of the different approaches are discussed. (Author/JAC)

The findings of a 1978 project of the Massachusetts Developmental Disabilities Council on the need for respite care services and the various models for delivery of respite care are reported. Methodology included review of respite care regulations in 12 states, site visits and a survey of Massachusetts programs, and a survey of 339 families with…