Why finding respite is important, and how to do it 

Parenting a child or youth with additional needs is more than parenting. You become the caregiver, nurse, teacher, case manager, advocate and so much more. You have different considerations to consider than some other parents or caregivers. You are exhausted, your back hurts and you have not done anything just for you since your child was born. 

You need a break, you need respite. 

Respite care provides essential, temporary relief for primary caregivers, offering short-term breaks to help prevent burnout, reduce stress and improve overall well-being. It can take different forms and can sometimes be difficult to access. But you need to recharge your own battery, and a little bit is better than none. 

Barriers to accessing respite can include cost, not knowing where to find it or finding it but feeling overwhelmed at the idea of someone else caring for your child. But you need a break, or you are going to burn out. You are superhuman, but even superhumans need rest, relaxation and a chance to recharge. 

Respite supports you can access 

• Special Services at Home provides respite funding for families with a child or children with additional needs. You can use these funds to hire a respite worker, pay someone to clean your home, cover the costs of recreational programs and more. 
• Family support and respite for children and youth with special needs and the Assistance for Children with Severe Disabilities Program (ACSD) are also options to help with the cost of respite depending on your family’s needs and circumstances. 
• Resources for Community Respite Services (RFECY) Durham Region has put together a document listing respite agencies, but also provides suggestions on hiring a respite worker. 

What if you are still waiting on respite funding?  

You still need to recharge your own battery.  

Sometimes it requires some creative ideas, and here are some suggestions: 

• Find recreational activities that your child can participate in, and you can rest on the sidelines for an hour. It may not be a lot of time, but it’s time you can sit and let your mind wander to pleasant images like resting on a beach, playing games on your phone, calling a friend or even tuning everyone and everything out for a moment. 
• Trade shifts of caregiving with your spouse or other family members or friends to ensure everyone has some time for themselves. This enables you to develop a circle of care comprised of people you trust to help care for you and your child. 
• Connect with other Grandview Kids families through our Family Engagement Program, attending their many engaging workshops and events, and creating a plan to support one another with respite. 

Funding for recreational activities

Explore the options below to help you and your family access funds for recreational activities: 

• Jumpstart Canadian Tire 
• Their Opportunity 
• Kid Sport 
• Access2 – Easter Seals Canada Access 2 Entertainment Program 

Remember: Taking care of YOU is also caring for your family.