Are students therapists or able to provide therapy services? 

It is very important to note that the students providing respite care are not yet therapists. While they may be able to carry over some activities or programs designed by a registered therapist under your supervision, they cannot do assessments or provide therapy as they are not yet licensed to do so.

Are students paid for their services?

Operation Oasis is not a volunteer program. The students are paid for their time and the rates are negotiated with the families directly, and are dependent on the expectations of the family. 

How are the number of hours determined?

Any training and scheduling is also decided upon directly between the student and the family.

Who are the student service providers?

Students are from master’s level programs in occupational therapy, physiotherapy and speech language pathology within the Hamilton area and therefore the students all have undergraduate degrees, are (at minimum) in their mid-twenties,  and many have had prior experience with children. 

Can I request services if I live outside of Hamilton?

Currently Operation Oasis is only able to help facilitate matching services for families and students located in the Hamilton area. If families outside of the Hamilton area are interested in services they can be looked at on a case-by-case basis. 

What is the process after I fill out the student intake form?

Students who feel they are a good match for the child and family will contact the family directly. Operation Oasis cannot guarantee a match, but will attempt to link families with the best student matches available. Should problems or questions arise, please contact the Operation Oasis program coordinator for assistance.

What types of activities and services can students provide?

In the past, examples of activities and services students have provided include: personal care assistance, opportunities for socialization, activities promoting increased independence, assistance with school work, implementation of pre-established therapy programs (developed by registered therapists), behavioural support, babysitting services and opportunities for community/sport involvement. Please remember, students are not able to carry out assessments nor provide therapy at any time and students should make this clear when communicating with families.