HELPING FAMILY CAREGIVERS
Family Support Services
Purpose
Family Support Services assists a family who keeps at home
a family member who has mental retardation and/or a developmental disability. The
program promotes the unity of the family by assisting it to meet the special needs of the
individual.
Who is eligible?
A family is eligible for family support services if it
includes a family member who resides at home and is eligible to receive services through
the Lorain County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities.
Who to call?
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Early Intervention participants may receive an information/application
packet from an Early Intervention Specialist through Murray Ridge School -- 440-329-3760. |
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All other families contact the Intake Coordinator at LCBMR/DD Service and
Support Administration offices -- 440-324-2366 or 440-233-4600. |
Families are encouraged to use funds for necessities only...other
families may need them more and there is a fixed amount of money.
Services
Based on the family's request and assessed needs of the
individual/family, services available through the program may include:
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Respite Care: Financial assistance for relief from daily care of an
eligible family member, either in the family home, the caregiver's home, or an approved
respite facility. Requests range from a few hours, a full day, a scheduled vacation
or assistance in an emergency. |
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Special Equipment: Financial and technical assistance toward the
purchase of special equipment for an eligible family member. |
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Home Modifications: Financial assistance toward the installation
costs of ramps, doorways and other modifications to help an eligible family member with
daily activities. |
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Special Diets: Financial and professional assistance toward the use
of special dietary preparations or supplements as prescribed by a physician or qualified
dietitian. |
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Counseling, Training, and Education: Support services that meet
special needs to help family members provide the proper care for an individual with a
disability. |
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Therapy: Speech, Occupational, and Physical Therapy for eligible
children under three years of age upon recommendation by a physician. |
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Diapers: Diapers/wipes and/or underpads due to special needs of
individuals five years of age or older. |
Procedures
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Request for services is initiated by the family. |
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Request will be approved if funds and services are
available
and consistent with the Board's Family Support Services plan and philosophy. |
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Family allocation can be accessed each quarter. |
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Families reapply at beginning of each fiscal year for
continuation of funding. |
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If the needs of the family change, a new application is
submitted. |
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Families must verify that they have exhausted all other
funding prior to requesting Family Support Services funding, including waivers. |
Providers
The selection of providers is the responsibility of each
family. When using a family selected provider, the family will sign a waiver
assuming responsibility that the health and safety needs of the individual will be met and
that no liability will be incurred by the Board.
Due Process
In addition to rights otherwise guaranteed by state and federal law, Ohio guarantees
all applicants or service recipients the right to appeal with regard to eligibility
determination, arranging appropriate services, and any denial, reduction, or termination
of services by the Lorain County Board of Mental Retardation and Developmental
Disabilities.
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Questions or Need more
Information? |
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Contact Information
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| Family Support
Services Coordinator |
or |
Residential SSA Director |
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Lorain County Board of
Mental Retardation |
and Developmental
Disabilities |
Murray Ridge Center |
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| 1091 Infirmary Road |
Elyria, Ohio 44035-4805 |
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Telephone: |
440-329-3734 |
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