Frequently Asked Questions

Below you will find frequently asked questions regarding respite facilitation. If you cannot find an answer to your question, please feel free to contact us, we would be more than happy to speak with you!

Is there a fee for your services?
No. respiteservices.com does not charge a fee for services.
However, some respite programs that we refer to may have their own fees. See Respite Options for more information. Families hiring a CHAP worker take on the responsibility of paying the CHAP worker directly. CHAP WORKERS ARE NOT EMPLOYEES of respiteservices.com.

Will you come to my home?
In order to serve the high volume of families that request assistance in a timely manner, we are not able to meet with every family in their home. As every family is unique, we field this request on a case by case basis. Please contact Intake and Information for further information.

Do you offer respite care to senior citizens?
To be eligible for our services, an individual 18 years of age or older must have a Developmental Disability, be living at their caregiver's home, and be eligible for services from Developmental Services Ontario (DSO).

I’ve recently started receiving Special Services at Home funding. What do I need to do next?
Congratulations! You may decide to invoice the program directly for programs, camp, or respite care that you are already receiving. However, if you require assistance in developing a respite plan for how to use these funds, respiteservices.com will assist you to do so.

My friend has started receiving Special Services at Home funding. How do I get this too?
Contact our Intake and Information line to determine eligibility. If you're eligible, respiteservices.com offers funding workshops to assist in completing the application forms.

I need assistance in finding a daycare and/or subsidy for daycare. Can you help me?
Daycare/childcare falls outside the scope of respite. The City of Toronto has this information listed online here. If you have a case manager, social worker or service coordinator, they may be able to assist you with this.

My family member is an adult and needs a day program. Can you help me?
Please connect with Developmental Services Ontario (DSO) for more information on day programs available in the City of Toronto.

Help! We need camp! When is a good time to connect with respiteservices.com for assistance?
If you require assistance in exploring camp options or camp related funding, we recommend connecting with respiteservices.com at the following times of year:
For Summer break, February or March.
For Winter break, September
For March break, January

How do I get funding for summer camp?
Individuals 18 years of age or under: Summer camp fees are often covered using government regulated funding sources (ACSD/SSAH) or by using Presidents Choice Children’s Charity. If your child/family member has a diagnosis of Autism, you may be eligible for Family Directed Respite funding or the Autism Ontario One-to-One Summer Support Worker Reimbursement Fund.

For individuals over the age of 18: Passport funding may be used. Please connect with us directly to discuss options that may be available.

For more information on funding, click here

I’m going out of the country for a few weeks. Can you help me find support for my loved one while I’m away?
Respite is traditionally defined as a short, planned break. While there are certainly options that may be explored depending on the length of stay, most respite agencies will not take an individual into their care unless there is a guardian in place in case of emergency. Other factors, such as availability of the respite program, also affect this decision. Connecting with respiteservices.com as early as possible in your planning process will assist you to have the best understanding of what may or may not be possible.

Can my loved one stay overnight at a respite program?
There are some respite providers that offer overnight care. It is important to plan respite breaks in advance as spaces are limited and often book up quickly. For more information on respite options, click here