Respite Homes Provide Caregivers Vital Break for Differently Abled

In a significant move, the Social Justice department in India is preparing to launch a new 'Respite Home' scheme to provide temporary accommodation for the differently abled. This initiative aims to offer much-needed relief to caregivers who often experience high levels of physical, mental, and social stress due to the constant demands of caring for their disabled loved ones.

The Respite Homes will function directly under the Social Justice department and will be able to accommodate 25 to 30 differently abled individuals at a time. These individuals, including those with autism, intellectual disability, or who are bedridden, will be able to stay at the centers for a period ranging from one to seven days. This will allow their primary caregivers to attend to emergencies, seek medical treatment, travel, or simply take a brief break from their caregiving duties.

The first Respite Home for men will be established at the Pratheeksha Bhavan facility in Kozhikode district, with two additional homes for men and women to be set up in vacant government buildings or rented spaces. A management committee chaired by the district social justice officer will oversee the smooth functioning of these centers, which aim to provide a much-needed respite for the caregivers of the differently abled.