Family Support Services

AiMHi recognizes that many families who care for their special needs child in their home may experience additional financial, physical and emotional stressors.

In response to this we designed a program called ‘Respitality’. Parents are offered access to a Free Overnight Stay at one of our sponsoring Hotels to rejuvenate while their child accesses respite.

Respite for Children

Respite care is short term care for a child who has a developmental disability or special needs. In the life of the whole family, it is a precious resource. Respite care gives the child a change in the pace of life, new experiences, and new relationships. It gives the parents a chance to pause and be refreshed; it is time apart that allows parents to focus on their own needs.

In the child’s best interests, the family home is often the preferred place for respite care to be provided. Although many parents may be able to arrange occasional respite care, the cost of an overnight stay away from home for the parents poses an additional and frequently impossible financial burden.

This is where the Respitality Program can help. Participating hotels will donate one night a year to eligible families, free of cost.

Parents who qualify must meet the following criteria

• Receive or be on a CLBC or MCFD wait list for AiMHi services
• Be a parent/grandparent supporting your child who has developmental disabilities or special needs in your own home
• Have respite organized for your child/children for the night you are requesting to access the Respitality Program
• Be responsible for expenses such as transportation, meals, telephone, etc. while staying at the hotel

For more information please contact Susan Wilson at 250-564-6408, ext 252 or e-mail: susan.wilson@aimhi.ca.

Our Hotel Sponsors

The Respitality program would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsoring hotel.

Pomeroy Inn and Suites

AiMHi coordinates information and networking opportunities for parents, guardians and caregivers. Presentations are organized approximately 2 times a year. The information sessions are advertised in the community and you do not have to be receiving services from AiMHi to attend.

AiMHi coordinates information and networking opportunities for parents, guardians and caregivers. Presentations are organized approximately 3 times a year. These information sessions are advertised in the community and you do not have to be receiving services from AiMHi to attend. If you are interested in learning more how to access community services then this group may be helpful.

We hope to provide families with a mechanism to connect with one another and share information.

If you are interested, please call Susan Wilson at 250-564-6408 ext 252.

The AiMHi Infant Development Program (IDP) has been in operation since 1979. The Infant Development Program services children from birth to three years of age who are at risk for, or who may have a delay in development. Your participation is voluntary.

What is the Infant Development Program?

• Support to Parents in planning activities that encourage child development
• Home visiting program
• Assessment to identify specific areas of developmental delay
• Consultants are professionals with special training in early child development, assessment and activities
• Funding is provided by the Ministry for Children and Family Development (MCFD) with local sponsorship by non-profit societies in a number of communities throughout BC
• Offered to families at no cost
• Consultants work a flex schedule and book appointments in conjunction with the family’s availability.
• Services are provided in the family home.
• Services occasionally occur in the community or at AiMHi if required.

Why an Infant Development Program?

Usually, a baby from birth to three years develops at a rapid pace. When your baby needs additional support reaching their milestones IDP can help. Future physical, social and intellectual development depends largely on your baby’s early experience within the context of their family. IDP works from a family centered strength based perspective with parents as the experts of their child.

Who?

• Children aged birth to three years
• Delayed in one or more skill area
• Children with a diagnosed disability
• At risk for potential delays
• Parents with questions/concerns
• Referred by: Parent, doctor, health nurse, etc.
• Participation is voluntary and information shared is confidential.

Please click HERE to access Referral/ Application Form (PDF).