Environment, Resources, and Tools

Practitioners:

• Prioritize, for out-of-home respite, an adapted environment that provides access for people with reduced mobility (e.g., elevators, access ramps, adapted washrooms, etc.) and organize the space into activity areas or sections based on the individual needs of each care recipient.
• Ensure the safety of the environment (e.g., controlled access to medications and hazardous products, the ability to lock certain rooms for safety reasons, evacuation plan) and ensure compliance, when applicable, with the laws, standards, and regulations governing safety requirements in Quebec.
• Establish an emergency plan adapted to people with specific needs and ensure that all staff members are informed.
• Create a comfortable environment that is calming, organized, and welcoming (e.g., appropriate sound and visual environment).
• Ensure that staff adopt a human-centred approach that goes beyond physical safety by also fostering a safe and positive psychosocial environment.
• Provide a variety of materials, including pictograms or communication tools, board games, craft supplies, materials for motor activities or movement circuits, audiovisual and sensory materials, tablets with activity-related applications (games, colouring, music, translation applications, etc.), sensory kits, musical instruments, puzzles, costumes, etc.

Practitioners can:

• Use a logbook (paper or digital format) that is kept up to date by the practitioner and made accessible to the caregiver.
• Develop a resource directory that brings together all tools and materials that can be used to adapt interventions to the specific characteristics of each situation.
• Create an intervention or activity planning tool that defines the objectives, steps to follow, and resources required for each session.
• Develop progress-tracking or reward charts to document changes in care recipients’ situations and acknowledge progress made.
• Keep an accessible profile of the care recipient containing relevant information (e.g., personal profile, health condition, interests, emergency contact information, etc.).
• Provide a daily schedule outlining planned activities and make it available in advance to create a reassuring and predictable framework for care recipients and caregivers.