Children's Respite

Children’s Overnight Respite Program

At the Ottawa Rotary Home, we understand the importance of providing much-needed support and respite for families caring for children with physical disabilities. Our Children’s Respite Program is designed to offer overnight stays and planned relief for children from birth to 21 years old, allowing families to take essential breaks while ensuring their children receive the care and attention they need.

Supportive Environment

In our Children’s Respite Program, young individuals with physical disabilities are welcomed into a barrier-free environment staffed by highly trained and compassionate professionals. Our team members undergo rigorous training to ensure they have the skills and expertise necessary to provide personalized care for each child. From assisting with daily activities to administering medication and implementing specialized care plans, our staff members are dedicated to meeting the unique needs of every child under our care. They create a nurturing and inclusive atmosphere where children feel valued, respected, and supported throughout their stay.

Program Offerings

• Regular Respite Program: Our most popular offering, providing overnight stays for children for several days and nights at a time. With the capacity to accommodate up to 8 children per night, we ensure a safe and nurturing environment for each child in our care. Families have the flexibility to book ahead, with reservations available up to 25 days in advance from September to June and up to 10 days in the summer months. This flexibility allows us to tailor our services to meet the unique needs of each family.
• Regular Planned Relief: Our Regular Planned Relief program operates as a specialized component of our regular respite services, providing consistent support for families throughout the school year. In this program, four children visit our Home every seven weeks, typically arriving on Sunday evening and returning to school and then home on the following Friday. Families benefit from the predictability of relief periods, as these dates are established at the beginning of the school year. Currently, we have twenty-four children actively participating in this valuable program.

Flexible Booking Options

Stays can range from a weekend getaway to extended periods of up to 2 weeks, providing families with the respite they need to recharge and rejuvenate. Please note that weekend bookings must include both Friday and Saturday nights, with the option to extend to include Sunday night. Children are discharged to school the following day, ensuring a smooth transition back to their routine.

Check-in and Check-out Times

Check-ins typically occur between the hours of 15:00 and 16:30 to accommodate the high demand for respite. As we are often at full capacity, admissions times are carefully scheduled to ensure that we can provide the best possible care for each child. Similarly, discharges take place between 13:00 and 14:30, allowing for a smooth transition for both the child and their family. Children can arrive with their parents or be transported directly from school via school bus. Many of our children are discharged straight to school, and the bus picks them up directly from our location.

Program Cost

Our Children’s Respite Program is primarily funded by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services, covering 90% of our operating budget. To help bridge the remaining gap and ensure the sustainability of our services, we ask families to contribute a nominal fee of $10.00 per day. This modest contribution enables us to continue providing high-quality care and support to children with physical disabilities and their families, ensuring that our programs remain accessible and inclusive for all.

Eligibility

Our Children’s Respite Program is designed to support children from birth to the age of 21 who have a primary diagnosis of a physical disability. Additionally, many of the children we support also have a developmental disability alongside their physical challenges. Unfortunately, due to the vulnerability of many of our participants who require wheelchairs or have limited mobility, we are unable to accept children with aggressive behaviors. This policy ensures the safety and well-being of all children under our care. To qualify, children must reside at home with their parents and be located within Eastern region.

How to Apply

To learn more or to begin the application process, please contact our Acting Director of Client Services, Julia Gordon, at juliag@rotaryhome.on.ca or by phone at 613-236-3200. Julia will guide you through the application process at your own pace, ensuring that you receive the support and information you need.