Respite care options

  1. CCAC (Community Care Access Centre) – In-home Respite
    This service sends someone to your own home to provide help with needed services (e.g. personal care) in order to allow a regular family caregiver to take a break. A CCAC worker will determine if you are eligible for this service, based on a number of different factors including your needs and circumstances. There is no fee.
  2. Retirement Homes
    Some retirement homes offer suites that can be rented for respite care. Price levels vary, but are usually around $100 per day.
  3. Long-term Care Homes
    The short-stay respite service provides a caregiver with a break from caregiving duties. The maximum number of days a person can stay is 90 days total per year. Placement is made through the CCAC. As of July 1, 2010, the costs are $34.63 per day, or $1053.33 per month.
  4. Hospital Respite Beds
    It’s not widely known that some hospitals have a number of beds that they rent out for respite care. Call reception at your local hospital and ask if they have beds available and at what cost.
  5. Private Services
    Of course, there are a number of private companies that offer various levels of care at various levels of pricing. These can usually be found in the Yellow Pages or in local care directories.

EI (Employment Insurance) compassionate care benefits are available to people who have to be away from work temporarily to care for a family member who is gravely ill and in danger of dying within 26 weeks (6 months). There is a maximum of 6 weeks compassionate care – the benefit is approximately 55% of your regular pay, up to a maximum of $457/week. For information, call: 1-800-206-7218.

Website: http://www.servicecanada.gc.ca/eng/ei/types/compassionate_care.shtml

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