Milestone Respite Program
Eligibility
Families are eligible for the Milestone Respite Program if:
they live in Winnebago, Boone or Ogle County
the family has a loved one living with them who has a developmental disability (Mental Retardation, Autism, Cerebral Palsy, or Epilepsy)
the family does not receive other state services such a Home Based Support, Person Assistants, Child Care Grants, or Office of Rehabilitation Services (they may receive up to 20 hours of ORS Respite).
The major goal of the respite program is to maintain individuals with developmental disabilities in their homes and community by providing short-term relief to families. The respite program is funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services administered by Milestone, Inc.
Usage
Respite funds may be used in the following ways:
Respite funds may be used to provide in-home caregiver(s) who will supervise the family member with a disability in the home and/or in the community when the caregiver is not working.
Funds may be used for someone to accompany the family member with a disability to/from community activities, medical appointments, etc.
Funds may be used for registration in park district programs, extra-curricular school activities, day care programs, community college classes and other similar types of community-based programs when the the primary caregiver is not working.
The program may be used for home health care personnel where medical training and/or expertise is required to meet the needs of the family member with a disability.
How to Apply
In order to apply, families need to contact the Intake Coordinator at 815-639-2973, who will send out the necessary forms. The forms that need to be completed and returned include:
Respite Service Application
Respite Needs Application
Release of Liability
Signed Client's Right Statement
Proof of Disability
Proof of Family Taxable Income
Who can be a Caregiver
Caregivers must be over the age of 18.
Related family members who do not reside in the family home (College sibling(s), grandparents, aunts & uncles, etc).
Friend and/or neighbors whom the family feels are capable to meeting the needs of their family member.
Individuals recruited from the community (Big Brother/Big Sister, church member, etc.)
Individuals who work with the person in a different capacity (classroom aide, day program staff, etc.)
Persons contracted through a home health care agency.
Back to Respite Program Website
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