Community Mental Health

Respite

What is Respite?

Respite care services are designed to offer families a break from the caregiving of their loved one with special needs. Respite is meant to be provided on an intermittent or short-term basis and is intended to be a true break for the caregiver which means it cannot be used while the caregiver is working.

A respite break can mean an hour to take a walk while a respite provider stays in your home. It may be a weekend away while your loved one is cared for outside of your home. It can also mean time to take a nap or chat with a friend while the respite provider takes your loved one on a community outing.

How to Access Respite

Current CMHOC consumers and families can ask their therapist, case manager, or supports coordinator for additional information about respite and to determine if it would be a good fit for your needs.

Individuals who are not current CMHOC consumers who may be interested in respite, as well as other services, may contact the Access Center at 616-393-5681.

Already Approved for Respite?

Prospective respite providers can find all the necessary registration documents below, as well as the payment request form required for payment of services. Registration is required to be renewed annually.

Questions about Respite can be directed to CMHOC's Respite Coordinator at 616-494-5446.

Training Required for All Respite Providers

Click on the links to access the trainings.  Once the information has been reviewed please take the tests which are included in the Documents for New Providers and the Annual Provider Update below.

Documents for New Providers

Annual Provider Updates

  • Annual Documents - Please print out the documents, fill them out, sign and return them to the CMH Respite Coordinator by mail, fax or e-mail.  See contact information listed above.

Respite Payment Request