These two specialized residential services are certified as Intermediate Care Facilities for the Mentally Retarded (ICF/MR) and provide continuous active treatment for all persons in residence. Although placement is normally over an extended period of time, the continued need for this service must be redetermined every six months. The services are delivered through an Individual Program Plan that is developed at least annually for each client by an Interdisciplinary Team of professionals, the parents or guardians, and direct care providers. The particular strengths and needs of each client are determined and measurable objective plans are developed and monitored by a Qualified Mental Retardation Professional to determine progress or any need for revision of the plan. Integrated therapies and activities are planned and coordinated for the entire 24 hour day for each client. Cooperative planning and coordination of services are facilitated with the involvement of mental health, public education, health and social services, and other community service providers. For more information and an application, contact Maria Timmons at mariatimmonspd@yahoo.com.

The Atrium Residence currently serves thirty children between birth and twenty-one years of age with multiple disabilities and severe to profound mental retardation. Twenty-four hour, on-site nursing is provided to address the various medical needs of the children enrolled. The center is also an approved school for the delivery of special education and related services required for all school age children.

The Arches residence serves ten adults with severe to profound mental retardation and other associated disabilities. Emphasis is placed on assimilating the clients into the community and helping them develop the skills necessary to live in less restrictive residential environments.

Horizons' Respite care is a support service to families who have family members with developmental disabilities. It provides temporary care to individuals ranging from a few hours to overnight visits. This allows families to take respite from the day-to-day responsibilities of caring for someone who has special needs.

Our center-based respite program serves ambulatory, semi-ambulatory and non-ambulatory people and is open weekends (Friday through Sunday). We can serve five clients each weekend. All providers are experienced with the needs of the respite residents and fully trained in CPR, first aid, behavior management, and medication administration.

There is a fee for respite services. Fees are based on the gross monthly income, size of the family, and ability to pay.

There is an application process that must be completed before services are delivered. Once the completed application has been returned an appointment for an assessment is scheduled.

To qualify for Respite, an individual must be diagnosed with a developmental disability and living in Forsyth, Stokes, or Davie County. We can serve both children and adults of any age.

Many families with members who have developmental disabilities find that even a brief respite can provide them with the energy to continue to provide the level of care necessary. Very often, respite services allow a family to continue caring for a member that would otherwise need residential care.