Program Information

NOTE - Website software terminology notice

The Respite Companion Program uses a third-party application site called Better Impact. It is typically used to recruit volunteers so you will see that the website often refers to applicants as “volunteers.” This terminology is generated by the platform and does not describe the nature of the opportunity. Respite Companion positions are paid independent contractor roles.

What is the Respite Companion Program?

The Respite Companion Program connects eligible older adults living with dementia with trained Respite Companion Contractors who are paid to provide 3-hour, social visits in the client’s home. 

During these visits, clients are supported through safe, engaging, and person-centred companionship, while care partners and family members have time for a much-needed break.

Respite Companion Contractors provide social and recreational support based on the client’s interests, needs, and abilities. Visits may include conversation, games, help with hobbies, walks, community outings, support with everyday life routines, or other meaningful activities. This is a social companion role. It does not include personal care, physical care, medical care, or duties typically provided by a Personal Support Worker or regulated health professional.

The program is intended to support client well-being, reduce caregiver stress, and help older adults remain connected, engaged, and supported at home.

Are you interested in becoming a Respite Companion Contractor?

You've come to the right place!!! We are looking for compassionate, dependable individuals who want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults living with dementia and their care partners/families across Niagara.

Before proceeding with filling in our application, please review the following important details about this role:

Serving People Living with Dementia

• All of the older adults served through the Respite Companion Program are living with dementia, memory loss, and/or related cognitive changes. As you can appreciate, this role requires patience, flexibility, respect, and a person-centred approach.

Independent Contractor Opportunity

• Please note that this is an independent contractor opportunity, not an employment position with Niagara Region. Participation in the Respite Companion Program does not create an employment relationship with Niagara Region and does not serve as a pathway to Niagara Region employment.  

Annual Contract with Flexibility

• Approved Respite Companion Contractors enter into an annual independent contractor agreement. While contractors are expected to maintain regular availability to support client matching, the program recognizes the need for flexibility. Contractors may request unpaid leaves of absence for reasons such as vacation, health or medical needs, family support, or other personal circumstances.

Compensation and Brokered Payment Model

• Respite Companion Contractors are paid according to the program’s compensation rate table, beginning at $18.25 per hour and increasing at set intervals based on total accumulated service hours.
• Contractors are paid for approved visit time and eligible travel time between client visits, and contractor training and education sessions where applicable. 
• An additional $0.50 per hour evening and weekend premium is automatically paid for visits taking place on Saturdays, Sundays, and weekdays after 6 p.m.
• The program operates using a brokered worker model. This means clients or care partners pay the Respite Companion Contractor $8.50 per hour, and the program facilitates the remaining funded portion of the contractor’s compensation including approved visit time and eligible travel time, through funding provided by Ontario Health.

Best Suited for Supplemental Income

• In our experience, this opportunity is a good fit for individuals who are retired, semi-retired, or seeking supplemental income. Contractor hours are variable and there may be periods with very low or no income as clients transition on and off services with the program.  Being a respite companion is for individuals who want to do something meaningful with their time, but do not require a steady, reliable source of income. 

No Formal Education Required

• You do not need formal education or dementia-specific training to apply. We provide orientation and training as part of the onboarding process. What matters most is that applicants are kind, patient, dependable, respectful, and genuinely interested in spending meaningful time with others. We are looking for people who bring the qualities of a good neighbor - just awesome people, willing to spend meaningful time with others. Lived experience with caregiving, aging, dementia, disability, or time spent supporting someone in your family or community is considered an asset.

Availability and Visit Expectations

• Contractors are asked to provide at least 15 hours of weekly availability to support successful client matching. This does not mean you are required to work 15 hours each week, but greater availability helps us match you with clients more efficiently. We do require companions to fulfill a minimum of 2 client visits per week to remain on contract with us. Noting that we fully support our companions in living balanced lives, including taking time to vacation and be away from the role as needed including short and long term Leave of Absences.

Consistent Weekly Visit Schedule

• Client visits are scheduled for the same day and time each week to support routine and consistency for clients. Once a visit is established, the scheduled time cannot be changed to accommodate your other work commitments or competing schedules.

Social Companion Role Only

• This is a social companion role, visits are a minimum of 3 hours and focus on social, recreational, and everyday engagement. As we said, Respite Companions may spend time with clients through conversation, games, hobbies, walking, activities, or daily life routines. This role does not involve personal care, physical care, medical care, or PSW-type duties.

Transportation Requirements

• Contractors must have access to their own reliable vehicle and hold a valid driver’s license recognized in Canada. This role requires travel to clients’ homes across the Niagara Region, and contractors are responsible for ensuring they have reliable transportation for all scheduled visits, orientation, training, and required program activities. Please note: Contractors are not permitted to transport clients in their personal vehicles at any time. Community outings may occur only when pre-arranged and when transportation is provided through other means, such as public transportation, or by meeting the client and/or care partner directly at the activity location. *Note, contractors choose which locations geographically they are willing to be matched with a client. Companions aren't obligated to travel across the whole of the region, just areas that they prefer their visits to take place. 

Technology, Connectivity, and Communication Requirements

• Respite Companion Contractors are responsible for maintaining access to a reliable computer, laptop, or smartphone, as well as dependable internet service, to manage their contractor responsibilities, scheduling, communications, and required program information. Contractors must carry a working mobile phone with them during all client visits for safety and communication purposes. Basic comfort using technology is expected; however, applicants do not need to be technology experts. We provide guidance and support, and welcome individuals who are open to learning new systems and tools.

Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance

• Selected applicants will be prompted to complete a Vulnerable Sector Police Clearance Check naming Niagara Region – Respite Companion Program. Previously completed checks cannot be accepted. Companions are responsible for the cost of the clearance and will be asked to renew it every 5 years. 

Onboarding Process and Payment Eligibility

• Successful applicants must complete a multi-phase onboarding process before being approved as a Respite Companion Contractor. This process includes:

• an initial screening and interview;
• a four-day, 20-hour Program and Role Orientation session;
• a three-hour practical learning experience at one of Niagara Region’s Adult Day Programs; and
• a one-hour contract set-up and website tutorial session.
• The orientation, practical learning experience, contract set-up session, and eligible travel time are eligible for payment only after the applicant has successfully completed all required onboarding components and signed the independent contractor agreement.
• Applicants who withdraw from the process, will not be eligible for payment for onboarding-related activities or travel time.

Recruitment Timeline

• Applications received will be considered for an upcoming recruitment session. We are currently accepting applications for our Fall 2026 recruitment session, anticipated for late September 2026.

Ready to Apply?

• If this opportunity sounds like a good fit, we invite you to complete the online application.