Question 1

What is respite care?

Accepted Answer

Respite care is a short-term stay at a residential facility — usually 1 to 30 nights — that gives a primary caregiver time to rest, travel, recover from surgery, or handle something else, while the person they care for is safely looked after by trained staff.

Question 2

Who can use RespiteAway?

Accepted Answer

Anyone arranging a short-term stay for someone else: adult children, spouses, siblings, friends, paid caregivers, social workers, or care coordinators. The person receiving care can be an older adult, an adult with a developmental disability, an adult recovering from a medical event, or anyone who needs short-term residential support.

Question 3

How long can a stay be?

Accepted Answer

Between 1 and 30 nights. Each facility sets its own minimum and maximum stay length within that window. Longer arrangements need to be made directly with the facility.

Question 4

How much does it cost?

Accepted Answer

Caregivers pay the facility's nightly rate, which varies by facility, room type, and care needs. RespiteAway is free for caregivers — we don't mark up the room price. See pricing.

Question 5

What happens after I request a stay?

Accepted Answer

The facility has 24 hours to respond. Requests without a response are declined automatically, so you're never left waiting. Payment is arranged directly with the facility at intake.

Question 6

Can I book on short notice?

Accepted Answer

Each facility declares its minimum advance notice, anywhere from a few hours to two weeks. RespiteAway facilitates short-notice bookings, but we cannot guarantee any specific facility will accept on a given timeline. For genuine emergencies, contact local emergency services or your area's crisis line.

Question 7

What if I need to cancel?

Accepted Answer

Each facility sets its own cancellation policy (flexible, moderate, or firm). The policy is shown before you request a stay, and the terms in effect at the time of booking are the terms that apply. Refunds are issued by the facility per its stated terms.

Question 8

How are facilities vetted?

Accepted Answer

Facilities must hold the relevant licence for their jurisdiction and care category — for retirement homes in Ontario, that's RHRA licensing. We verify licence status at onboarding and surface verification badges on each facility page. We do not run independent inspections; we rely on the regulator of record.

Question 9

How is my information protected?

Accepted Answer

Care recipient health information you share at booking is used only to help the facility determine fit. We comply with PIPEDA (Canada's privacy law). You can request deletion of your account and associated data at any time by emailing hello@respiteaway.com.

Question 10

Where does RespiteAway operate?

Accepted Answer

We are launching first in Ontario, Canada. Other provinces and US markets will open as supply grows in those areas.

Frequently asked questions