Respite
True Friends Respite provides a unique weekend away for participants and a short period of rest for caregivers.
2021 Respite Registration is Now Open!
Click here for more information.
For more information regarding weekend, weekday, and school closure services, questions or concerns contact Respite Manager Julia Steven at julias@truefriends.org or 952.222.1065 or Eric Sage, Director of Respite Services at erics@truefriends.org or 952.852.0117.
2021 Registration Updates and Reminders
- True Friends is a licensed 245D Minnesota Provider. True Friends is licensed by the Department of Human Services, Department of Health and Accredited by the American Camping Association. Upon receiving Case Manager approval True Friends can bill federally approved BI, CAC, CADI, DD, EW & CDCS waiver plans. For private pay options please contact payments@truefriends.org.
- Medication information will be collected both from a medication list provided by a health care professional, as well as a separate True Friends Medication Administration Form. As always, we also require individuals to pre-set their medications in packs to bring to camp.
- An application will be considered complete and ready for True Friends staff to review only when the application, requested documents, and questionnaires have been received.
- Click here and review the Health Care Questionnaires on the right to fill out the writeable pdf questionnaires that may be required based on your needs, in addition to Medication Administration form.
- Participants will be added from the Interest List based on the time of application, participant cancellations, staffing availability and individual care ratio.
- Participant and staff safety are at our core. True Friends will continue to monitor and closely follow the guidance from local, state and federal health authorities, to try to slow the spread of the COVID-19. Click here to learn more about how True Friends is responding to the pandemic.
- If you have any questions about the registration process contact the Customer Relations team at 952.852.0101 or registration@truefriends.org. If you have questions regarding payments or financial assistance contact the Finance Team at 952.852.0132 or payments@truefriends.org.
Who can participate?
Individuals ages five and up with intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities. We offer services at 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, 1:4 and higher care ratios. All applicants are screened by our respite department for appropriate placement.
What should I expect?
True Friends staff provide support, encouragement, guidance and supervision to ensure respite participants have a safe and meaningful experience. Qualified food service professionals can prepare meals and work to match special diet needs. Please contact our respite department to determine if we can meet specific diets. Breakfast, lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday are provided.
Many of our staff are human service professionals or individuals studying to receive their degree. We work to match our participants to staff to enhance each individual’s experience.
Our health care staff are trained medical professionals or individuals studying to receive their degree as well.
They are trained in medication administration, assistance with medical equipment for meals and numerous medical devices.
Weekend Respite
Check-in Friday from 6:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Check-out Sunday from noon – 12:30 p.m.
Payment Options
True Friends is a licensed 245D Minnesota Provider. True Friends is licensed by the Department of Human Services, Department of Health and Accredited by the American Camping Association. Upon receiving Case Manager approval True Friends can bill federally approved BI, CAC, CADI, DD, EW & CDCS waiver plans. For private pay options or additional information please contact payments@truefriends.org.
Staff Hiring and Training
True Friends is committed to providing all our program participants and staff with a safe and high-quality experience.
Our Direct Care support staff complete over 30 hours of accredited online and in person training. True Friends Direct Support staff are competent as demonstrated through skills and knowledge training, and education relevant to the services provided.
In addition to the accredited online training, all Direct Support staff must complete CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration, Activities of Daily Living, Communication Techniques and Crisis Prevention Intervention.
All staff and volunteers must pass a Department of Human Service federal background check to work with participants.
To learn more about the specific hiring and training requirements of each program or service please call 952.852.0101.
Cancellations
Cancellations are rare at True Friends Respite. However, in the event True Friends Respite must cancel a session the following will occur:
If True Friends Cancels
True Friends reserves the right to cancel a respite session due to circumstances beyond our control including severe weather or due to a lack of staff and/or participants. If this occurs, staff will notify you within a timely manner. Participants will be rescheduled for another respite session or could be refunded entirely.
If Participant/Group Cancels
True Friends understands that occasionally conflicts arise.
If caregivers need to cancel a session please contact Manager of Respite Services at 952.222.1065.
In the event a participant or group needs to cancel their respite stay the following may occur:
- All fees paid will be refunded in full if notice is received at True Friends 14 days or more prior to the participant/group session.
- If notice is received at True Friends 13 days or less to the participant/group session, individuals will be charged a $50 processing fee.
Property Damage
True Friends may seek compensation from participants and/or guardians for the replacement or repair of property damaged while attending the respite program.
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