The In-Home Respite Program
Main Goal
The main objective of this program is to provide free-of-charge respite services to parents with seriously ill children. Volunteers make regularly-scheduled visits to families, offering in-house recreational activities to the children. These activities are adapted to the child’s condition and are designed to appeal to his interests while stimulating the senses and creative abilities and encouraging him to laugh, play and make the most of the precious time they spend together.
To contact the Coordinator of the In-Home Respite Program, dial 514-787-8801.
Who can benefit from this service?
Every family caring for a child suffering from a life-threatening illness such as:
- Illnesses for which curative treatment is possible but can fail. Examples: Cancer and kidney failure. Children in long-term remission or following successful curative treatment are not included;
- Illnesses with long periods of intensive treatment with the aim of preserving quality of life, although with the possibility of premature death Ex: Muscular Dystrophy;
- Progressive illnesses without cure and where treatment is symptomatic from the time of diagnosis Ex: Batten’s disease;
- Illnesses with severe neurological disability that are not necessarily progressive that predispose to major health complications
Ex: Severe cerebral palsy and anoxic encephalopathy; - Newborns with extremely limited life expectancy.
Territory served
Montréal
Montérégie
Laval
Lanaudière and the Laurentides
Characteristics of the Program
- After an assessment of the family’s needs, parents can benefit from 3 hours of respite per week;
- The Lighthouse tries to offer the respite service at times when the families need it the most;
- The amount of respite period is determined by factors such as the child’s age, daily occupations (school), and the progression of the illness. It may be possible to have more than one volunteer;
- The volunteer offers recreational activities adapted to the child’s needs and habilities.
Selection of Volunteers and Training
Volunteers are vigilantly selected. They go through an interview, a police, personal and professional reference check and a 24-hour training to facilitate their integration in the families.
To become a volunteer, contact the Coordinator of Volunteer Resources, 514-787-8817.
Ask us about the possibility of having stagiaires in:
- Zootherapy
- Art Therapy
- Visual Arts and Technology
- Leisure
- In-Home
Volunteers cannot give medical care (medication, gavage) to the child, with no exception.
Make a donation
You can help The Lighthouse, Children and Families with a financial contribution. Your support enables families with children suffering from life-threatening illnesses...
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