FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)

+            What is respite?

Respite is temporary care provided by qualified staff for a client in the home or out of the home, in order to give parents or usual caregivers some relief, a break in routines, opportunities to sleep, be active with other family members, go on vacation or have some time alone. Respite provided by PTDC is out-of-home i.e. located at either the London Kids Country Club or the Cambridge Kids Country Club. 

+            What does medically fragile mean?

Medically fragile means the medical condition of the child may deteriorate suddenly, rapidly or without warning.  Immediate response by an appropriately trained caregiver (such as registered nursing personnel) is necessary to manage the crisis and support life. Monitoring is required on a 24 hour basis.

+            What is a technologically dependent child?

Children who are dependent on technology for life support or maintenance of a bodily function  include those who use a G or GJ tube for feeding, have a tracheotomy tube for breathing, require oxygen,  apnea monitors or ventilators, etc.

+            Who is eligible for respite at Kids Country Club?

Children who are described as medically fragile and/or technologically dependent who live in South Western Ontario and the Central West Region (Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin, Halton and Peel) are eligible for the program.

+            Is there any cost to families who use respite?

No. The Ministry of Community and Social Services and the Ministry of Children and Youth Services provide operational funding for both homes.

+            If my child becomes ill while at the respite home, what happens then?

Parents are informed immediately of the illness, medical attention may be sought or the parents pick up the child to provide care at home. 

+            Why can't you continue to care for my acutely ill child when you have registered nursing staff?

Risk of exposure to illness for the other children present in the home has to be considered.  Many children are very susceptible to infection. 

+            How often can my child access the respite program?

Guidelines for scheduled respite are two weekends every three months.  Longer respite opportunities are available in the summer and school holidays and can be booked in advance. 

+            What if I have an emergency and I need someone to care for our child?

Please call Kids Country Club.  We make every effort to respond to emergency requests.

+            Can I use my Enhanced Respite Funding to purchase respite stays at Kids Country Club?

At times when KCC is not open but staffing is available, respite can be purchased using Enhanced Respite Funds.  Some private insurance carriers will also pay for respite.

+            How much does purchased respite cost?

The purchase of respite costs $36.00 per hour because care is provided by registered nursing staff.

+            Who funds the respite program?

Operational funds are provided by MCSS, with fundraising dollars used to provide equipment, building mortgage and maintenance costs.

+            Do you have volunteer positions available?

After screening and orientation, volunteers assist operation of the homes in a variety of ways.  Currently volunteers are used in running bingos and other fundraising events, mowing lawns, handyman repair and special events. Please call the office at 519-473-1598 if you are interested in becoming at volunteer.

+            How can I help with fundraising?

Volunteers are needed on the Fundraising Committee. If you have had experience or success with fundraising projects, please share this information. If you know of corporate donors, community partners or service clubs in your area who would make us their Charity of Choice, please tell us. If you would like to manage an event please make a presentation to the FR Committee for approval. Ask about our current ideas, projects and items for sale.

+            Can my MFTD child's siblings also come for respite so we can have a real break?

Presently, we are not able to care for siblings.  We provide respite only for the eligible MFTD child.