Respite Services for Children and Their Families   

Respite services will assist a family to have a little less stress in their lives by providing the opportunity to meet screened caregivers, all whom have a heart for caring for children with special needs.

Respite cannot be understood in isolation as it is just one piece of a bigger picture of what constitutes wellness for families.

Wellness can only occur when it is the result of sincere and relevant respite contributions made by caregivers so that a family feels renewed, and thus will feel confident and comfortable enough to take intervals of time away from caring for their children.  This time of renewal can only occur when theirs sons and daughters are happy, in a safe environment and doing something meaningful at the same time.

Respite means different things to different people.  Here is what one parent has said:

"Having a support person accompany me to one of my other children's soccer games, so that I do not have to be the person responsible for him for that hour - that is respite for me!  We can all go together and relax and watch the soccer game as a family!"

When their children are with caregivers, parents may wish to have some time to spend with other siblings, or to do other things they would not be able to do.  Each family's needs are unique.

Every family member has times when they would like to get away to pursue their own activities, interests, or have time alone or with someone special.  We all need to be away at some point with our spouse, or for work, with friends or family for a few hours or for a weekend.

 

Respite simply means that a paid caregiver gives families a "break" by spending a few hours a week, or an overnight, or a weekend, with their child.  This service is guided and monitored by parents with the assistance of the Respite Coordinator.

For the family, this means a time to do those things that would not otherwise be easily done.  Respite can be a time for rest, for siblings, for strengthening family ties, and time just for parents.

For the caregiver, it means an opportunity to spend time with a child building up social skills and participating in recreational and community events.  Support may happen in the child's home, in the caregiver's home, or just in community.  There are times when it could include brothers or sisters as well.  Caregivers look to respite as an opportunity to build relations with amazing and interesting kids and know that in providing an exceptional standard of care, they are making a difference in someone's life.  Parents and children look forward to visits from their caregivers.

For the children receiving respite services, they can look forward to spending time making a new friend, meeting new families, and experiencing a wide range of community and recreational experiences.  "Respite should be a fun and exciting time with a caregiver who will keep me safe".

If you are interested in learning more about the necessary requirements to become a caregiver, click here.

If you wish to contact the Respite Coordinator for more information, click here.