FAMILY TIPSHEET: Respite

Respite care offers families a planned short break from the demands of caregiving, helping parents/guardians recharge and fostering opportunities for all family members to participate actively in the community.

During respite, a support worker might:

• Accompany your family member to community outings (e.g., parks, restaurants, or museums)
• Teach skills like preparing snacks or engaging in hobbies
• Participate in recreational activities (e.g., sports, board games, or arts programs)

Why is respite important?

• It provides children with disabilities enriching enjoyable experiences.
• Families can re-energize to sustain healthy relationships.
• Respite may include one-on-one care with a support worker or structured programs, such as camps or overnight stays.

Qualities to Look for in a Support Worker:
Consider someone who is:

• Patient, kind, and responsible
• Creative, fun, and a good communicator
• Skilled in teaching or caregiving

Key Questions to Reflect On:

• What activities will the worker support?
• When and how often will you need assistance?
• Are there specific skills or traits you require, such as experience in sports, arts, technology, first aid/CPR, driver’s license, etc.?

Where to Look:

1. Contact www.respiteservices.com about their respite worker list
2. Go to www.hollandbloorview.ca/respite for more information about Holland Bloorview’s respite program
3. Ask resourcecentre@hollandbloorview.ca for the ‘Community Respite Opportunities’ tipsheet
4. Talk to other families about where they find their support workers
5. Make a flyer or electronic posting for local high schools, colleges and universities (on their websites or in person)
6. Ask someone who already knows and gets along with your family member

Step 1: Telephone Screening:

• Speak with multiple applicants to compare.
• Ask about their availability, experience, and reasons for interest in the job.
• Listen for flexibility, enthusiasm, and sincerity.

Step 2: In-Person Interview:

• First meeting: Conduct a casual interview in a public place to assess their personality and communication skills.
• Second meeting: Invite them to your home or another relevant setting to observe how they interact with your family member.

Sample Questions to Ask:

1. What interests you about this role?
2. What experience do you have with children or individuals with disabilities?
3. Are you available on [specific days/times]?
4. Can you provide references and a resume?
5. Do you have a valid driver’s license or CPR/First Aid certification?

Decision-Making:

• Consider their compatibility with your family member.
• Assess their skills, dependability, and willingness to learn.
• Trust your instincts and have a back-up option.

Every child or teen has unique ways of communicating, learning, and engaging with the world. While a support worker may not immediately know the best approach, you can guide them in the right direction.

Orientation for the Worker:

• Create an “All About Me” profile for your family member with key details like likes, dislikes, routines, and health needs.
• Walk them through daily schedules and introduce relevant community resources.
• Use coaching and open dialogue to clarify expectations and address questions.

Tips for Communication:

• Set clear communication methods (e.g., in-person, email, or phone).
• Provide feedback regularly to ensure mutual understanding and growth.

Building a Strong Relationship:

• Celebrate successes: Highlight moments where the worker helped your family member learn or achieve something new.
• Offer periodic reviews: Discuss areas for improvement, additional training, or activity ideas.
• Show appreciation: Acknowledge their contributions and skills.

Empowering families with the right tools and support is key to creating positive and enriching respite experiences!