Diverse Private Support Directory: Respite/1:1 Support/BI (Kamloops)

This directory is intended for families looking to hire private workers to assist their loved ones and relatives.

Disclaimer: Diversified Family Supports does not take responsibility for verifying or checking the references of the individuals listed. We strongly advise you to request proof of any certifications, conduct criminal background checks, and thoroughly verify references and credentials before engaging any individuals to work with you or your family.

To view our live Diverse Private Support Directory please click here:

Click here to view the Diverse Private Support Directory: Respite/BI/1:1 Workers

If you would like to be added to our list of available workers, please visit our Diverse Community Directory Form HERE.

When hiring someone to work with your family or children, always conduct a comprehensive interview and verify all references and credentials.

A person writing down their goals in a notebook

Meeting in person will help you assess a person's character and determine if they are suitable to work with you and your family.

I suggest outlining clear goals and your purpose for hiring a worker, whether it's for respite care or one-on-one support.

Here are some goal suggestions to get you started:

Interaction and entertainment

• Board games, cards, etc.

• Video games, computer, or movies

• Outings: park, swimming, hiking, walking, skateboarding, biking, etc.

• Corner store

• Arts & Crafts

• Make-believe

• Play games like tag or hide and go seek

• Baking/Cooking/Food Prep

• Downtime - napping, relaxing, etc.

Health/Exercise

• Gym or track

• Physical activities

• Healthy Cooking/Food Preparation

• Grocery shopping

Social Connections

• Making new friends

• Connecting and conversations

• Social groups

• Group play

• Extra-curricular activity support (hockey, soccer, gymnastics, etc.)

• Navigating friendship/work conflicts

Specific Goals

• Learning to use public transit

• Walking to and from home to specific locations (park, corner store)

• Money management: learning to make purchases and budget money

• Driving practice

• Cleaning/organization of room or closet or living space

• Schedule organizing - visual or digital

• Job searching

• Ordering their own food

• Increasing the skill of using scissors

• Practicing using utensils (like knives)

• Making choices

• Being helpful or kind

• Playing win/lose games

• Anything else the child or adult desires to learn and needs some support!

Academic Support

• Tutoring

• Reading

• Writing

• Musical instruments

• Communication (verbal, written, digital, or sign language)

Anxiety and Emotional Support

• Support during emotional dysregulation

• Working through anxious moments

• Visiting new places or environments

• Recognizing self-emotions and body feelings

• Embracing all emotions as positive

• Self-advocacy

The possibilities are endless! (Having the goal of just getting some YOU TIME or a break is totally valid as well!)

If you are hiring a private support worker, you should create an agreement or a contract so that the duties and expectations are clear for all parties involved. If you google Caregiver Contracts or Respite Contracts, you will find many examples that you can use to draft something that suits your needs.

A cat taking advantage of some much needed respite.

I also personally have a Caregiver Plan for each of my children and provide a copy to anyone that is responsible for my children at any time. This plan includes: Child's NameAge

Diagnosis

Likes/Hobbies/Fixated Interests

Personal Goals/Aspirations

Fears/Phobias

Triggers and Challenges

Preferred Foods

Routines and Communication Preferences

Sensory Preferences (seeking, avoidance, sounds, clothing, etc.)

Dysregulation Suggestions: Activities/routines/items that are regulating or emotionally balancing that help when they are struggling.

Good luck with finding the perfect person to work with you or your family!