Easter Seals Disability Services

Respite/Caregiver Support

Respite services are available to individuals with disabilities who are covered through the Medicaid Waiver program; caregiver support services are available to anyone with a disability needing services, including those not covered by Medicaid Waiver. Caregivers cannot use these services to work or go to school; services must be used to rest, play, run errands, do chores, spend quality time with other family members, attend social outings, etc. Direct Support Professionals provide these services to 150 families a year in their homes, at Easter Seals Arc’s Respite House or out in the community.

Easter Seals Arc has offered respite services to families challenged by disabilities in homes and community settings since the early ‘80s. In 2001, Easter Seals Arc opened the Broadway Respite House that continues to be the only 24-hour respite house in Allen County. Located on Broadway in Fort Wayne, Easter Seals Arc’s Broadway Respite House operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing day and overnight care on an as-needed schedule. The house is equipped with wheelchair ramps at the back and front, a new kitchen and two full bathrooms. The downstairs tub is handicap accessible and includes a bath bench. A large, full bathroom and three bedrooms are located upstairs. One of the upper bedrooms is equipped with a toddler bed and is  decorated to appeal to younger children. The Broadway Respite House is also equipped to meet the recreational needs of clients. There are two televisions downstairs, one with cable. A computer is available for clients to play games. Numerous videos, books, toys and craft materials are kept at the house as well as an adult-sized stroller. The house also has a fenced-in yard and off-street parking.