Caregiver Respite/Relief

Many people receiving home and community care services are assisted by friends and/or family members. Respite services can give family/friend caregivers temporary relief from the emotional and physical demands of caring for a friend or family member, and provide an opportunity to participate in community activities.

Respite services may be provided at home through home support services, in community through adult day services, or on a short-term basis in a long-term care home, hospice or other community care setting.

Caregivers can also access many support resources through:

• Caring for Seniors

Is this care right for me?

Respite services are suitable if your family member or friend caring for you could benefit from a break from their caregiving responsibilities.

What are the respite services eligibility criteria?

You must meet the general eligibility criteria for home and community care services and your needs are such that you or your family/friend caregiver could benefit from respite services.

Client rates depend on the type of respite services required (such as home support or short-stay services).
To read the general eligibility criteria for all home and community care services, go to:

• Are You Eligible? 

How do I arrange for respite/relief services?

If you are interested in receiving caregiver respite/relief services or know of someone who might be in need of these services, you can contact the home and community care office of your health authority or you can have a health care professional make a referral on your behalf.

For contact information and a detailed description of how to arrange for caregiver respite/relief services, please see:

• How to Arrange for Care

Is there a cost for respite services?

Client rates depend on the type of respite services required (such as home support or short-stay services).

General Information About Costs

If you would like some general information about the costs of publicly subsidized home and community care services, including the regulations that govern fees, please read:

• Who Pays for Care?