At Quest, Inc., we value and honor the countless caregivers dedicated to transforming lives. Among them are those who support the individuals we serve with developmental disabilities.
Understanding the Role of a Caregiver and Why Respite Care is Important
According to the CDC, nearly one in five Americans serve as caregivers. Their roles often include supporting daily living activities, from grooming, medication and disability management to socialization, transportation and emotional support. While fulfilling, the growing demand for caregivers leads to challenges as caregivers seek to balance the role with personal and professional obligations.
Understanding the vital role caregivers play, Quest is committed to supporting them through respite care programs. Respite care is designed to provide temporary relief from the 24-hour demands of caregiving. This essential offering promotes emotional wellbeing for caregivers and the individuals they support, creating a win-win situation for everyone involved.
Benefits of Respite Care
Social Engagement: Care recipients can interact with peers, fostering connections while caregivers reconnect with family and friends.
Improved Health and Wellbeing: By taking time for self-care, rest or change of scenery, caregivers can recharge and reduce stress, ultimately leading to better health.
Peace of Mind: High-quality respite care ensures that caregivers can fulfill other responsibilities knowing that their loved ones are safe.
How Quest Offers Respite Care to Families
Quest’s Camp Thunderbird
Quest’s Camp Thunderbird has offered engaging recreational programs for adults with developmental disabilities in an unforgettable summer camp setting for nearly 60 years. Guests can enjoy a range of self-selected activities that foster independence and social engagement leading to lasting friendships.
Camp Thunderbird is now accepting registrations for sessions from June through the beginning of August. These weeklong overnight sessions provide parents and guardians a break from the 24-hour demands of caregiving, knowing their loved one is receiving quality care and attention. For many families, this represents a unique chance to recharge during the summer season.
Testimonial from a Dedicated Caregiver
Vicki, a dedicated caregiver, has entrusted her daughter Tammy to Camp Thunderbird for nearly 30 years. Reflecting on her first experience, she shares, “I met her counselor then, and I felt peace and comfort. I didn’t go anywhere the first year, but it allowed me to work longer hours.”
As caregivers tend to personal needs, guests can also take ownership of their camp experience by selecting activities that align with their goals. Maintaining a 1:4 staff-to-guest ratio, caregivers can feel at peace knowing their loved one is safe and receiving personalized attention.
“I’ve also been able to travel extensively while Tammy’s at camp, and while I always have a backup person, she’s never had to come home,” Vicki says.
Year-Round Respite Care Services
Recognizing that caregiving is a 24/7 responsibility, Quest offers various respite services throughout the year in addition to Camp Thunderbird. Our services include:
Quest’s Adult Day Training Centers in Apopka and Tampa provide comprehensive skill development and vocational program services tailored to each individual’s goals.
Intermediate Care Facilities (ICFs)
ICFs offer comprehensive and individualized health care and rehabilitation services, ensuring 24-hour supervision for individuals with profound developmental disabilities.
Group Homes
Group Home programs promote meaningful activities that foster lifelong education, healthy lifestyles and personal responsibility within a community setting.
Supported Living
Supported Living programs fulfill the wishes of caring parents and guardians by providing enriching experiences, such as living and working independently in the community while receiving assistance with more complex skills, like banking or navigating public transportation.
Acknowledging Caregivers
Quest is committed to helping individuals with disabilities experience a full life. We salute our caregivers who remain essential to our efforts and recognize the continued need for respite. To learn more about these range of services proven to increase capabilities and quality of life, visit Quest, Inc.