The Texas Panhandle MHMR Respite Services program provides planned or emergency short-term relief services to individuals when their unpaid caregiver is temporarily unavailable to provide supports due to non-routine circumstances.  The person recieving respite services must have been determined by TPMHMR staff to be eligible for mental retardation services.

The TPMHMR Respite Care Unit is a six bedroom home located in a residential area of Amarillo.  The home is fully wheelchair accessible, and enhancements include a whirlpool tub (with a lift) and a fire sprinkler system.

The Respite program provides individuals with personal assistance in daily living activities (e.g., grooming, eating, bathing, dressing and personal hygiene) and functional living tasks.

Respite includes assistance with: planning and preparing meals; transportation or assistance in securing transportation; assistance with ambulating and mobility; reinforcement of behavioral support or specialized therapies activities; assistance with medications and the performance of tasks delegated by an RN in accordance with state law; and supervision of the individual’s safety and security.

Persons recieving respite services are under 24 hour supervision by trained staff (LVNs and Therapist Technicians).  Staff working overnight hours conduct bed checks at least every 15 minutes to ensure safety.

Respite also includes habilitation activities, use of natural supports and typical community services available to all people, social interaction and participation in leisure activities, and assistance in developing socially valued behaviors and daily living and functional living skills. 

If you would like more information regarding Respite Services or would like to schedule a Respite stay, please contact Yolanda King at 806-351-3426.  If you live in an area served by our regional offices in Borger, Dumas, Hereford, Pampa, or Perryton, you may also call the day program director in those locations for assistance in obtaining respite services.

TEXAS PANHANDLE MHMR:

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