Respite Programs

Support for Individuals. Relief for Families. Space to Breathe.

At The Counselling House, we understand that caring for a child, family member or loved one can be deeply meaningful while also being demanding. Families and caregivers sometimes need time to rest, attend appointments, complete daily responsibilities, reconnect with other family members, or simply have an opportunity to breathe.

Our Respite Programs are designed to provide supportive, flexible care while helping individuals remain connected to the people, activities and environments that are meaningful to them.

Respite can take many forms. Depending on individual needs, availability and the type of service arranged, respite may be provided in the home, in the community, through individual activities, or as part of a planned retreat experience.

Our Respite Services May Include

In-Home Respite

A trained support person provides companionship and assistance within the individual’s familiar home environment while caregivers have an opportunity to take a break, attend appointments, work, manage household responsibilities or have personal time.

Community Respite

Participants may spend time in the community engaging in activities that reflect their interests and abilities. Activities may include recreation, creative activities, outings, social opportunities, community events or other meaningful experiences.

Individual Respite

Individualized respite allows us to build activities and support around the person’s interests, preferences and needs. The goal is not simply to provide supervision, but to create meaningful opportunities for connection, participation and enjoyment.

Creative and Expressive Respite

For individuals who enjoy creativity, respite may incorporate art, music, storytelling, movement, games and other expressive activities. Creative experiences can provide opportunities for communication, exploration, confidence-building and social connection.

Retreat Respite

A planned retreat can provide individuals and families with a change of environment and dedicated time away from everyday responsibilities. Retreat experiences may be arranged around relaxation, recreation, creativity, connection and personal renewal.

Person-Centred Support

Our approach begins with the individual.

Before services begin, we take time to understand the person’s interests, routines, communication style, strengths, preferences and support needs. Where appropriate, we also work with parents, caregivers and other members of the individual’s support network.

Respite is most meaningful when the person receiving the service is actively involved in deciding what they would like their time to look like.

Our goal is to create experiences that promote:

• Connection
• Independence
• Confidence
• Choice
• Social participation
• Creativity
• Meaningful recreation
• Positive relationships
• Personal interests and strengths

Support for Caregivers

Respite is also about supporting the people who provide care.

Taking a break does not mean that a caregiver cares any less. Regular respite can give caregivers time to rest, attend to their own responsibilities, spend time with other family members, maintain employment, attend appointments, or simply have time for themselves.

We believe that supporting caregivers is an important part of supporting the whole family.

Clinical and Non-Clinical Support

The Counselling House offers both counselling and psychotherapy services, as well as supportive programs that are not psychotherapy.

Our respite services are not a substitute for psychotherapy, medical care, nursing care or emergency services. Where a participant has clinical or healthcare needs, respite staff work within the agreed scope of the service and may recommend that the family connect with an appropriate healthcare or mental health professional when additional support is needed.

Where psychotherapy or counselling is appropriate, these services can be discussed separately with The Counselling House.

Who May Benefit From Respite?

Respite may be helpful for:

• Children and youth who require additional support
• Individuals living with disabilities
• Families managing significant caregiving responsibilities
• Parents who need regular breaks
• Caregivers supporting a family member at home
• Individuals who benefit from structured social or recreational activities
• Families who would benefit from planned retreat time
• Individuals who need support participating in community activities

Services are arranged based on individual circumstances, program availability and the level of support required.

A Different Kind of Break

Respite does not have to mean simply being away from home.

It can mean having someone to talk with, trying something creative, going for an outing, participating in a favourite activity, spending time in the community, or simply having a safe and supportive person alongside you.

Sometimes a break is about giving the caregiver time to breathe.
Sometimes it is about giving the individual something to look forward to.
Often, it is both.

Contact The Counselling House

If you are interested in respite services for yourself or a family member, contact us to discuss your needs and determine which type of respite may be appropriate.

The Counselling House
Counselling • Psychotherapy • Family Support • Respite Programs