
Frequently Asked Questions

What is Respite Care?
Respite care is short-term support that allows caregivers to take a break while ensuring their child is safe, engaged, and cared for. At Bright Star Respite, we specialize in family respite services for children with special needs, including developmental, behavioral, physical, and communication challenges. Respite care can take place in your home, in the community, or overnight, depending on your family’s needs.
Who can access respite care in Edmonton, St. Albert, & Fort McMurray?
Our services are available to families in St. Albert, Fort McMurray, Edmonton, and surrounding areas. We support parents, foster parents, and caregivers of children with special needs. Many families access our programs through FSCD (Family Support for Children with Disabilities) funding, but we also work with families outside of government programs.


What types of respite care services do you provide?
We offer a range of respite care services, including:
In-home respite care – professional support in your home
Community respite programs – outings and daily living support
Overnight respite care – safe supervision and consistent routines
Sibling respite and family support services
Urgent and emergency respite care when unexpected needs arise
We are also expanding into supportive therapies such as play therapy, music therapy, speech therapy, and Lego-based therapy.

How does funding work for respite services?
Bright Star Respite is an FSCD-approved respite agency. Families who qualify for FSCD funding can often have services covered through this program. We also support families in navigating funding options and making the most of available resources.
Are your respite providers trained?
Yes. Our respite providers are carefully selected, trained, and supported to ensure the highest quality of care. As a CARF-accredited respite care agency, we follow strict standards for safety, professionalism, and inclusivity. Families can feel confident that their children are in capable and compassionate hands.


Do you provide urgent or emergency respite care?
Yes, we understand that life can be unpredictable. That’s why we offer urgent respite care services in Edmonton, St. Albert and Fort McMurray to help families manage sudden changes or unexpected challenges.
