FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions & Answers

Who is eligible for services from a Regional Center?

To be eligible for services, a person must have a disability that begins before the person's 18th birthday, be expected to continue indefinitely and present a substantial disability as defined in Section 4512 of the California Welfare and Institutions Code. Eligibility is established through diagnosis and assessment performed by regional centers.

Infants and toddlers (age 0 to 36 months) who are at risk of having developmental disabilities or who have a developmental delay may also qualify for services. The criteria for determining the eligibility of infants and toddlers is specified in Section 95014 of the California Government Code. In addition, individuals at risk of having a child with a developmental disability may be eligible for genetic diagnosis, counseling and other prevention services. For information about these services, see Early Start.

What is respite?

Respite is defined as an interval of rest or relief. Stable Life Services program is designed to provide parent(s)/guardian(s) of eligible family members the opportunity to take a break from their caregiver responsibilities.

How do I get respite services?

Authorizations for respite must be approved by San Andreas Regional Center (SARC) on an individual (client/family need) basis. Contact your SARC service coordinator to request In-Home Respite services.

Can other California Regional Center clients use Stable Life?

Yes. A vendored service provider may be utilized by non-vendoring regional centers, known as "user" or "utilizing" regional centers.The vendor identification number assigned by the vendoring regional center must be used by all regional centers purchasing the vendored service.

How do I use respite?

Upon receiving authorization from your Regional Center or SARC for respite, you can:

– Designate your own respite worker and contact Stable Life to start the hiring process. (Please see Respite Care Provider Job Description on Employees page for minimum qualifications.)

– Call Stable Life Services and request an on-call respite worker contact you.

How do I hire/designate a respite worker?

If there is someone you prefer (sibling, parent, friend, relative or neighbor) to provide respite for your child contact Stable Life Services to obtain the necessary employee forms to start the hiring process. Designated respite workers must be at least 18 years old and meet certain requirements. (Please see Respite Care Provider Job Description on Employees page for minimum qualifications.)

How much do designated respite workers make?

$15 an hour - - - one of the highest respite rates in the area.

Who is the employer of my designated respite worker?

Technically the parent/primary caregiver is the employer and Stable Life is the administrator. Stable Life handles the complex process of caregiving employment and takes on the administrative duties ensuring payroll procedures, etc. are adhered to and the program is administered properly.

Who are respite workers?

Our on-call staff is comprised of dedicated, caring individuals who understand each family’s needs are unique. On-Call respite workers are at least 18 years old, CPR/First Aid certified, have special needs related experience/training and have passed a background (fingerprint) check. All respite workers must meet the requirements of the Responsibilities/Duty Statement in the Job Description.

Can potential on-call respite workers be interviewed?

Yes. We insist on an orientation meeting between the family and any on-call respite worker being considered. This allows everyone the opportunity to get acquainted and feel comfortable together, before actually scheduling respite services.

Do I have to call Stable Life to schedule a respite worker?

Not necessarily. You can contact a respite worker directly to request respite, for a specific date and time. Contact Stable Life if you need further assistance.

How much notice is needed for on-call respite workers?

As much as possible, but not less than three days, as new on-call workers must have an orientation meeting before providing services. The sooner a respite request is made, the higher the probability of finding an available respite worker for the date and time needed.

Who tracks hour usage?

Stable Life maintains usage records based on time cards, as they are received from the parent via email. Confirmation of your approval of the hours of respite used by the worker is from your email to Stable Life of the Time Card of the worker. The worker fills out their time card and if you approve you attach a copy and email/text it to Stable Life info@stablelifeservices.org or text to (831) 251-0777. You should also keep track of the dates and number of hours used each month.

How can I check in my hours?

You can call/text/email Stable Life to find out how many hours have been used and/or a current balance of hours remaining. Stable Life reviews the current time cards that you have emailed in to the office to come up with a remaining balance. Remember, Stable Life cannot pay for time exceeding the hours authorized.

How does a respite worker get paid?

Each respite worker maintains a time card to log all dates and times of service for a family. Times are verified by the parent/guardian (by emailing time card to Stable Life). Time cards are emailed/texted by the parent/family. Time cards are due on the last day of the month. If a time card is late it will be processed the following pay period. A blank time card can be found on our website www.stablelifeservices.org.

When does a respite worker get paid?

Respite workers are paid by the 5th of the following month of service by auto deposit into their checking account.

Who do I contact if have other questions?

For other questions about respite please call/text or email Stable Life.

Email, text or phone messages can be left 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are usually returned within one business day. Email: info@stablelifeservices.org; phone/text: (831) 251-0777