ErinoakKids - Respite FAQ

When registration opens for a season, an online referral form will be available on www.erinoakkids.ca/respite to begin the process. Once the form has been submitted, you will be placed into a line to receive a call to finalize payment and submit the signed terms of engagement. Please have payment ready. ErinoakKids will accept payment via Visa or Mastercard, credit or debit.

Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis. Your registration is not final until payment has been received and we have received your signed Terms of Engagement.

We require notice of cancellation at least three weeks in advance so that if you cannot use your spot, we can offer the opportunity for respite to another family waiting.

There are limited respite resources in the community and most of the cost of respite at ErinoakKids is subsidized by donor funds. We want to ensure that these valuable resources are not wasted.

Unfortunately, increasing costs for specialized equipment and expert care has put respite at ErinoakKids at risk. We receive government funding only for clients up to age 18, but we want to continue to provide overnight respite for that critical stage when clients are transitioning from pediatric to adult care, between 18 and 25. Day respite is available only to those 18 and under.

We are thankful for the support of our generous community donors, but we continue to subsidize respite at a rate that is unsustainable. This simplified, cost contained respite program is an effort to continue providing this essential service with the resources we have available.

The cost for a respite stay is $500 for a weeklong, overnight stay for children and youth under 18. Government funding ends at age 18, but ErinoakKids wants to continue providing this critical service as clients transition from pediatric to adult care. Beginning in July 2025 the cost is now $1500/week for young adults 18 to 25, which represents about 14% of the cost of a stay.

Fees are necessary to secure the resources and commit to staffing.

There are limited respite resources in the community and many families are waiting. Our experience shows that without a nominal fee, cancellations on short notice are common and valuable donor funds are wasted as beds go unused.

We would never want to turn a family away; cost should not be a barrier to those who need access to essential respite care.

There are a number of support programs available through ErinoakKids, through the Federal and Provincial Government and through our community partners to help families in need.

Available Family Supports:

Service Navigation
Family Support Fund
Special Services at Home
Government Resources

Caring for your medically fragile family member during a respite stay, either day or overnight, is a privilege and a responsibility. Safety is our number one priority, and the Terms of Engagement allows both your family and our staff to confirm that expectations are aligned and agreed upon before we confirm a stay.

Family Supports

Respite: Frequently Asked Questions

How do I register?

What are your cancellation policies?

Why are stays limited to those 25 and under?

Why is there a cost to access respite?

What if I can’t afford the fees? Is there any support available?

Why do I need to sign a Terms of Engagement before having my spot secured?