Government Increases Support for Family Caregivers

Family caregivers facing the physical, mental and emotional challenges of caring for a loved one may now get more well-deserved time away from their responsibilities through increased respite care or short-term care.

Effective today, June 24, the amount of respite care available in a long-term care facility has been increased from 28 days to 60 days per year.

"Family caregiving is rewarding, but it is also very challenging and can put a lot of physical, mental and emotional strain on the individual and on the family," said Health Minister Chris d'Entremont.

"By increasing the amount of respite care, we are fulfilling our promise to better support caregivers, while recognizing the crucial role they play in caring for some of the most vulnerable people in Nova Scotia."

The increase in the number of respite days will allow family caregivers to take more time away, go on vacation, attend to personal and business matters, while their loved ones are given quality care in a safe environment.

Respite care beds are available in many nursing homes and some residential care facilities across the province. The standard daily charge is $29.75, although a reduced rate may be available for people with low incomes. The maximum continuous stay in a respite care bed at one time cannot be more than 30 days. Also, no more than 30 days can be taken between July 1 and Oct. 1, the peak demand period.

An individual or caregiver can request access to a respite care bed by calling toll-free 1-800-225-7225 for an assessment. Once a person is determined eligible, a bed is booked on a first-come, first-served basis.

The respite care increase is part of government's 10-year, $260-million Continuing Care Strategy that helps Nova Scotians who want to stay in their own homes for as long as possible by providing support to them and those who care for them.

More information on the policy is available online at www.gov.ns.ca/health/ccs or by calling toll free 1-800-225-7225.