Respite is a critical service for families and caregivers but many families have shared that they feel uncomfortable or unprepared to hire or train an independent respite care provider.
Safeguards has developed a ‘Respite Learning Portal’ to provide training and resources for both current and potential respite providers as well as caregivers that want to use respite care. They currently offer 3 self-paced online courses to help workers and caregivers ensure that respite care is safe, effective and meaningful. More than 16,000 people from across North America have taken Safeguard’s respite courses. https://www.safeguards-training.net/respite-learning-portal/
For current or potential respite workers:
Respite Services Training Certificate
Prepares individuals to provide high-quality respite support to individuals with developmental and/or physical disabilities. The course includes modules on ‘Supporting a Meaningful Life’, Communication’, ‘Personal Care’, ‘Confidentiality’, ‘Health and Safety’ and more. Upon successful completion of the course, individuals will receive a ‘Respite Certification’.
The course is self-paced and can be started at any time. Cost: $39.55
Respite Services for Autism
This course is designed for both current and potential respite workers interested in providing meaningful support to autistic individuals. Modules include: ‘Understanding ASD’, ‘Social Interaction and Play’ and ‘Strategies for Positive and Enriching Respite Care’.
The course is self-paced and can be started at any time. Cost: $39.55
Respite: A Parent’s Guide:
Respite Workers, Autism and Your Child: A Parent’s Guide helps parents search for a respite worker, compile the information they need to support your child and make respite meaningful for caregivers, children and workers. This guide is tailored for individuals raising a child with Austim, but has helpful information for families caring for a child with any developmental disability. Modules include: ‘Recruiting and Interviewing a Respite Care Provider’, ‘Keeping Things Safe’, ‘Keeping the Relationship Going’ and ‘Your Child’s Unique Personality’.
This free course is self-paced and can be started at any time.