Respite care is offered in a facility or by someone coming into your home to offer a partner or family members a rest from providing daily care to a loved one.
Tips & Links
- Seniors living with a chronic health conditions, cancer, mental illness or dementia requiring physical care 24/7 often rely on family caregivers for their care and support. Respite care services can give family caregivers short term/temporary relief from the emotional and physical demands of caring for a friend or family member.
- This service can be paid for privately or is sometimes paid for or subsidized by the health authority depending on your needs and financial situation.
- Inquire about getting publicly-funded respite care availability in your home or in a care facility. The referral can be made by yourself, a physician, nurse practitioner, or a family member.
- Assisted living and residential care facilities sometimes offer respite or short-term stays if:
- you have recently been discharged from an acute care hospital.
- you require care to prevent or reduce the need for hospital or emergency department services or admission to a long-term care home.
- you have a life-limiting illness.
- You need hospice care or end-of-life care.
- Understand that a respite stay can be for a few weeks to a few months. Respite care can also be found in the form of adult day programs.
- Review the Caregivers of BC website for other means of support, support groups, as well as family caregiver support groups.
- Be aware that family caregiving can be very stressful. Know that there is a BC Caregiver Support Line toll-free at 1-877-520-3267.
Tools – Handouts & Videos
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