How did it all begin?

In 2020, Respite Request was born from a moment I’ll never forget.

While working on the management team at a retirement residence in Ottawa, I answered a call from a woman in distress. Her mother had just suffered a stroke. She was the full-time caregiver for her father, who lives with memory loss.

I was the fourth retirement home she’d called that day.

She was overwhelmed—frustrated by how difficult it was to find short-term care for her dad. There was no clear path. No centralized tool. Just endless calls, stress, and uncertainty during one of the hardest weeks of her life.

That conversation changed everything for me.

In an age where we can order groceries in minutes and book vacations instantly, why was it still so hard to find reliable respite care for our elders?

A mission sparked:

To remove the barriers caregivers face when trying to secure short-term care for their loved ones.

I began building the platform later that year. Since then, Respite Request has helped families, healthcare professionals, and retirement communities connect quickly and seamlessly for respite stays that bring relief, support, and peace of mind.

Whether you're a caregiver, a discharge planner, or a retirement home team member—you’re not alone in this. We’re here to make the process easier, more human, and more accessible.

– Daniel McShane, Founder

P.S here I am getting my butt kicked in pool by my favourite octogenarian!

Who is Respite Request For?

We built Respite Request with one goal in mind: Make it easier for families, healthcare professionals, and retirement homes to connect for short-term senior care.

In these early stages, our focus is on serving the people who feel the system's gaps most deeply:

🔹 Family Caregivers

Daughters, sons, and spouses trying to juggle work, family, and caregiving—often with little guidance and even less time. We're here to make their search for respite care less stressful and more straightforward.

🔹 Discharge Planners & Social Workers

Healthcare professionals who need quick, reliable solutions for patients transitioning out of hospital care. We help you identify open beds and connect with retirement homes in just a few clicks.

🔹 Retirement Home Teams

Operators and managers looking to fill respite vacancies and better serve their communities. Our platform helps you showcase availability, respond faster, and streamline referrals.

By focusing on this core group of early adopters, we're creating a platform that truly meets their needs—simple, supportive, and built to grow with them.

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