Accommodating Differences... Every Day!
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What is Respite?


Respite literally means a period of rest or relief. Respite care provides a caregiver temporary relief from the responsibilities of caring for individuals with complex care needs, and at A Circle of Support, we are pleased to be able to provide respite care as one of our services to the community.

 

While many of the individuals who are in our care reside permanently in our group homes, we often have one or two beds available in each of the homes that can be made available for respite care, with a nominal fee for service.

 

The focus of our respite care program is primary care and leisure. Our staff have the skills to work effectively with individuals on the autism spectrum, and to that end, can manage challenging needs and behavior within a ratio of one staff for every three participants. If a child is referred for respite and requires a higher level of support to manage disruptive behavior, we would likely suggest other community respite options to the family.


Application Process


We receive calls and inquiries from many different sources, i.e. parent(s), family doctors, extended family, schools and social services agencies. At the point of initial application, we would generally seek to collect information regarding the child and important things to know about them since they are spending time outside of the family home. Thereafter, we make arrangements to visit the child for a brief intake assessment to assign levels of support required.

 

Sometimes, the family may wish to visit one of the group homes to determine the match for their child, at the same time that A Circle of Support will assess our ability to offer respite to the child. We would not seek to bring the child into one of our homes for any part of this assessment as it can cause added and unnecessary stress and anxiety. We will make arrangements to visit the child and family where it makes the very best sense: most likely in their own home!

For further information and application for respite supports click here.




REMINDER: A Circle of Support is a fragrance-free workplace. Thank you for not wearing any of the following during your visit: cologne, after shave lotion, perfume, perfumed hand lotion, fragranced hair products, and/or similar products. Our chemically-sensitive co-workers and clients thank you.