Respite Care
Caring for a loved one with a disability or medical condition is a fulfilling and worthwhile duty; but even the most steadfast of family members needs time to take care of their own needs. They need time to work, to maintain the home, and to simply take a break.
What is Respite Care?
Respite Care is when another party takes over the primary care-giving duties for a disabled or ill loved one for a short period of time.
Depending on the need, this period could be anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks. There are different Respite Care arrangements to suit a variety of situations, from home care to temporary lodging at a Long-Term Care facility.
How do I know if I need Respite Care?
If you’re the sole primary caregiver in your household, then you are a candidate for Respite Care. Being a caregiver takes up a lot of time and is an emotional and financial burden. As such, most caregivers need time for other aspects of their life such as:
- Employment
- House upkeep
- Social interactions
- Personal health
- Rest and relaxation
There are also other situations that require Respite Care:
- Primary caregiver is going out of town
- Primary caregiver is ill or incapacitated
- Home renovation or repair
- Transition to a new caregiver facility
Do I qualify for Respite Care?
Respite Care has different requirements depending on where you want the care to be provided: whether in home or in a Long-Term Care facility.
If you’re interested in Respite Care at a Long-Term Care facility, your loved one must:
- Need round-the-clock supervision and care;
- Need assistance with daily living;
- Need constant monitoring in order to ensure their safety or maintain their current health condition;
- Be at least 18 years old; and
- Have a valid Ontario Health Card and OHIP coverage.
But it’s not just your loved one that has to qualify. The primary caregiver also must:
- Need to be away for more than one day;
- Need to be hospitalized; or
- Be experiencing a health issue or condition that prevents the caregiver from fulfilling their duties.
Once qualified, your loved one will be able to stay for a maximum of 60 days.
How do I obtain Respite Care at a Long-Term Care facility?
In order to obtain Respite Care at a Long-Term Care facility, you must apply to your local LHIN (Local Health Integration Network). You will be assigned a LHIN coordinator, who will be responsible for reviewing your case and presenting you with your available options.
Your LHIN will walk you through:
- Your qualifications and eligibility;
- Arrange for your loved one to be assessed if they require personal support worker services;
- Assist you in completing your Respite Care application; and
- Make arrangements for your loved one’s stay, including but not limited to: scheduling assisted transportation, stocking medication, and reserving a room at a Long-Term Care facility.
Are you interested in Respite Care for yourself or a family member? GTA Senior Care Solutions is committed to helping families in need find the support resources they require.