Who is Respite For?

Respite is for the caregivers of individuals with physical and/or intellectual disabilities, who need a much-deserved break. There is a small amount of funding for adults with lifelong disabilities who live independently.

Many Ways to Use Respite!

Respites can take place in the Participant and caregivers’ home, or in the community for recreational outings like going to the park, bowling, arcades, swimming, concerts, movies, shopping, or a special event. Respite can be used to encourage physical activity, teach life skills and independence, promote social activity, help with schoolwork, provide overnights so caregivers can get much needed sleep and in a variety of other ways.

Respite Workers provide personal care, medication administration, meal preparation, assistance with light housekeeping, care for siblings (under the age of 12), arts & crafts, baking, music, board games, card games, and numerous other activities.

Respite Anytime!

Respite can be available any time of day, evening or overnight – seven days a week- all year around, dependant on availability of workers.

How Community Respite Service Inc. Works

Office Administered

CRS maintains a pool of Respite Workers where CRS matches the Participant and families. The Participants/family request the day and times of respite and the office secures Respite Workers for those requests.

Self-Administered

Is used when the Participant/family knows someone they would like to have as a Respite Worker. CRS will hire them as a Respite Worker, provide the administrative support and leave the responsibility of planning the respites to the Participant/family and their Respite Worker.

Families can have several Self-Administered Workers or use both programs at the same time if that suits their needs best.

Well Trained Respite Workers!

CRS prides itself on having well trained, friendly, and personable Respite Workers that are committed to providing the best service to the individuals they support. They are provided training to work in a variety of situations.

Respite Workers may be trained in:

• Emergency First Aid & CPR (mandatory)
• Lift and Transfer Training
• Seizure Training
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (when applicable)
• URIS (asthma, anaphylaxis, diabetes, heart conditions, g-tube feeding, catheterization)
• Accessibility for Manitobans – Customer Service Training
• Journey of Support
• Training on specific disabilities

Office Administered Respite Workers also receive ongoing training at bi-monthly staff meetings.

How to access Community Respite Service Inc.

Community Respite Service provides respite funded by the Department of Families’ Community Living disABILITY Services Program and Children’s disABILITY Services Program, Manitoba Possible and St. Amant. Case Managers from these programs can access CRS services by contacting their local CRS office for a referral form and enquire about the intake process.

Respite is also available to individuals and families meeting CRS’ eligibility criteria, for private purchase and to third party organizations through contract agreements.