Version 0.1, pending legal review. These terms describe how RespiteAway operates during soft launch. They will be replaced with a lawyer-reviewed version before general availability. The substance described here reflects how the platform actually works today.

Terms of Service

Effective: soft launch, 2026

1. What RespiteAway is

RespiteAway is an online directory and request tool. It helps caregivers in Ontario find licensed retirement homes that offer short-term respite stays and send those facilities a stay request.

RespiteAway is not a care provider, a placement agency, a regulated health information custodian, or an emergency service. RespiteAway does not deliver care, supervise care, or guarantee that any facility will accept a request.

2. Eligibility and accounts

You must be at least 18 years old to create an account. You are responsible for the accuracy of the information you provide and for keeping your account credentials secure.

3. Stay requests, payment, and cancellation

When you send a stay request, RespiteAway forwards it to the facility you selected. The facility decides whether to accept the request.

During soft launch, RespiteAway does not take payment, hold deposits, or act as an escrow agent. Payment is handled directly between you and the facility under the facility's own intake and billing process.

Cancellation terms shown on a facility listing are stated by the facility and enforced by the facility. RespiteAway does not adjudicate refund disputes during soft launch. Any refund obligation is between you and the facility.

4. Facility information

Facility information, including pricing, capacity, services, and licensing claims, is provided by each facility. RespiteAway makes reasonable efforts to verify that listed facilities hold a current RHRA licence but does not independently verify all listing details on an ongoing basis. You are encouraged to confirm important details with the facility directly.

5. Care decisions remain yours

Choosing a facility for a care recipient is a personal decision. Nothing on RespiteAway is medical advice or a recommendation that a particular facility is appropriate for a particular care recipient. For medically complex situations, consult the care recipient's healthcare team.

6. Acceptable use

Do not use RespiteAway to submit false information, harass facilities or other users, attempt to circumvent platform controls, or for any unlawful purpose. We may suspend accounts that violate these terms.

7. Privacy

Use of RespiteAway is also governed by our Privacy Policy, which explains what information we collect and how it is handled.

8. No warranties, limitation of liability

The platform is provided on an as-is basis. To the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, RespiteAway disclaims warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, and non-infringement. RespiteAway is not liable for the care delivered by any facility, for decisions made by facilities about accepting or declining requests, or for payment and cancellation disputes between caregivers and facilities.

9. Governing law

These terms are governed by the laws of the Province of Ontario and the federal laws of Canada that apply in Ontario.

10. Changes to these terms

We may update these terms as the platform evolves and as legal review completes. Material changes will be communicated to account holders by email.

11. Contact

Questions about these terms can be sent to hello@respiteaway.com.