Training a Respite Provider
Use this training checklist to help a respite provider understand your home, your loved one’s needs, and the routines, expectations, and safety information they should know before providing care.
House and Living Space
- Give a tour of the house or living space.
- Identify any areas that are off-limits to the respite provider or the care recipient.
Technology and Screen Time
- Review rules about technology and screen time for the care recipient.
- Explain any limits on time, devices, apps, websites, or specific technology use.
- Review rules about the respite provider’s cell phone use while providing care.
- Clarify whether the provider may take pictures of the care recipient.
- Clarify whether pictures may be shared on social media.
People and Pets in the Home
- Introduce siblings, roommates, or pets.
- Explain whether the respite provider has any responsibilities related to other people or pets in the home.
- Review expected and allowed interactions between the care recipient and other people or pets in the home.
Disability-Specific Information
- Review common characteristics, allergies, medical information, and seizure information, if applicable.
- Explain personal care assistance needs and how much help is needed with specific activities.
- Review communication devices, including how and when to use them.
Eating and Meal Information
- Review G-tube information, if applicable.
- Discuss food likes, dislikes, and allergies.
- Explain the meal routine and how much assistance the care recipient needs.
Medication Information
- Explain when medications are given.
- Show where medications can be found.
- Confirm whether there is a full medication list available in case of emergency.
Activities
- Discuss activities the care recipient enjoys.
- Explain whether a schedule is needed.
- Review how much downtime is okay.
- Discuss whether outings are allowed and where the care recipient may go.
- Review transportation expectations.
- Explain what can be expected in public settings.
Challenging Moments or Behaviors
- Explain what challenging moments may look like.
- Review the best way to respond.
- Discuss whether there is a safety plan and how it should be implemented.
- Share proactive strategies that may prevent or decrease challenging moments.
Emergency Planning
- Show where emergency numbers are located.
- Explain who should be called and for what purposes.
Make sure emergency contacts, medication lists, medical information, and safety plans are easy
for the respite provider to access before care begins.