Tips to help you plan your respite hours

Helpful tips to consider when developing your respite plan

Why plan?

To take a break. Everyone needs some time for themselves to participate in activities outside of the home or to just relax at home.
So your respite dollars last you through the year (which begins April 1^st and ends March 31^st of the following year).
To be prepared for your every-day needs.

Making a Respite plan

Remember everyone who can spend time with your child (both paid and unpaid)
Respite contractor fees can be negotiated. For example: Consider a flat rate for overnight or weekend.
When negotiating a fee with the Respite contractor, consider what other people pay for respite care in similar situations.
Review your plan regularly.
If you family experiences a crisis situation, you should call your local service agency to determine if additional support is available.

Tips to be prepared in the case of an unusual situation or emergency

It is suggested that you have the names of at least two other Respite contractors that may be called upon to provide respite care
Either in their home or another location (other than your home).

Why have back up workers and a back up location?

There may be times when your home may not be available.
There may be situations, such as a family funeral, where many family members need to attend. If you rely solely on family members to provide respite care, there may not be anyone available when you need to be away.

This is a fund provided by the Ministry of Community and Social Services, Ministry of Children and Youth Services
so you can have respite support in the time of an emergency or family crisis
To find out if you are eligible and can use this funding, call your local agency providing respite supports.

· Respite contractor fees can be negotiated. For example:

o Consider a flat rate for overnight or weekend

· When negotiating a fee with the Respite contractor, consider what other people pay for respite care in similar situations.

· Review your plan regularly.

· If your family experiences a crisis situation, you should call your local service agency to determine if additional support is available.