MRDD Care Providers?

[SCI-Nurse]

I am assuming by MRDD that you mean mentally retarded/developmentally delayed?

Have you contacted your local regional center or ARC chapter? They would most likely know about resources in this area.

(KLD)

[Tom]

Originally Posted by DarrellMiller

Hi, I have been helping my mom and dad for 7 years with clients they provide housing for. Is there a MRDD Care Provider forum out here? I feel a calling to provide living space like my mom and dad but finding a qualified person to help me when my wife and i need a afternoon off is an issue. anybody know of some resources out there that might help me in my search for qualified individuals?

As SCI Nurse said, MR/DD means mentally retarded/developmentally delayed (or disabled in some contexts).

I'm not sure how to respond to your post. No, there's no MR/DD caregiver forum as such here nor have I ever seen one online. From what I gather your parents are providers, wouldn't it make more sense to ask them? In just about every state providers and other human service agencies have to contract with the state's Division of Family Services, and in the case of MR/DD care,with that state's Dept of Mental Health (or its equivalent name). In MO, the DMH operates several Regional Centers, which is a state entity that usually provides funds for the operation of MR/DD agencies.

Are you looking to establish your own agency? When you refer to 'finding a qualified person so (I) can take the afternoon off' do you mean respite care? For who? Would you be able to rephrase your question if possible, because Im not sure if you're asking about respite care for an individual who may not fit MR/DD qualifications, in which case you should contact DFS or Health/Human Services, or if you're asking for advice on how to establish a business, or just what.

Sorry if I seem a little reluctant, but the last time I answered an off-the-wall question out of the blue I got used. No offense, I'd like to help as best I can but it would help if you could make things a bit clearer. Thanks!

Tom

[Tom]

BTW, here's the link to ARC's national http://www.thearc.org - there should be a directory to the ARC nearest you.

Tom