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 project were analyzed, and ratings of families and providers were examined. Results indicated that significantly more multiply handicapped clients were served; there was overwhelming satisfaction by parents of the level of services received; and that providers felt they were able to meet client needs well. It is concluded that the flexibility, low cost and correlation with family preferences support the worth of home based respite care. (CL)