Lending a hand, sharing a heart.
Special Sitters is a home-based respite program providing extra help for families caring for a loved one with an intellectual or other developmental disability. Sitters can provide services in the home or can assist the individual needing care with opportunities for recreation in the community.
Special Sitters provides comprehensive training for the sitters, enabling family members to spend time away from the home, safe in the knowledge that their loved one is cared for by a trained sitter. In addition, Special Sitters are available for other family members in need of care or assistance.
Each sitter is thoroughly trained in communications skills, special needs awareness, creative activities, First Aid, and CPR.
Becoming a Special Sitter
Caring individuals, 14 years or older, can apply to become Special Sitters. After successfully completing the free training, they become part of the Special Sitters program, and are referred to area families looking to hire qualified individuals.
Hiring a Special Sitter
Residents of Monroe County caring for a family member who lives at home and has an intellectual or developmental disability are eligible for this referral program.
The Ross Resource Library
Open to families enrolled in the program as well as certified Special Sitters, the Ross Resource Library has a wide selection of games, toys, books, videos, and other resources available for loan.
For more information, contact Marilyn Congdon, Coordinator of Special Sitters, at 585-271-0660 ext. 352.