Step 1: Contact us
Contact Mrs. Émilie Couillard, Family Services Coordinator, at 450-371-6825 ext. 202 to make a request for services. During this initial contact, you will be asked to specify your needs:
- What are your child’s individual characteristics (diagnosis, particular problems)
- An estimate of the frequency of caregiving needs
- A meeting with a representative of Répit le Zéphyr with be organized (allow approximately 1.5 hours). This meeting may take place at the organisation’s offices or at the family’s home.
Step 2: Meeting with a representative
During the meeting with a representative of Répit le Zéphyr:
- Information will be provided concerning the characteristics of the individual to be cared for as well as the family’s needs with regard to respite care.
- The organization’s service agreement will be explained and signed.
Step 3: Matching
A caregiver, with availabilities that correspond with the family’s needs, will be assigned to the family. The family will receive contact information for the caregiver in question and vice versa. It should be noted that the time frame for finding a match may vary depending on the needs of the family as well as the availability of caregivers at any given time.
Once a match is made, the caregiver will contact the family within 48 hours to schedule an initial meeting at the family’s home. At least one parent must be present at this meeting, as well as the individual with special needs and ideally if necessary, any siblings who will also require care.
Step 4: First meeting
This meeting lasts a maximum of 1.5 hours and takes place at the expense of the organisation.
The meeting allows the caregiver to:
- learn from the parents about the type of care to be provided, the characteristics of the individual with special needs, and any household rules;
- confirm the parents’ expectations of the caregiver and their work;
- create a bond with the entire family before the start of caregiving services.
It allows parents to:
- learn from the caregiver about their previous knowledge and experience;
- clarify their expectations;
- inform the caregiver about the characteristics of their children and household rules;
- plan caregiving services.
Step 5: First caregiving experience
Parents and caregivers communicate with each other as needed. In the event that the designated caregiver is not available, the family must contact Répit le Zéphyr and another match will be proposed according to availabilities at that time.
