Increase in Respite Services

Family caregivers facing the physical, mental and emotional challenges of caring for a loved one may now get more well-deserved time off, thanks to an increase in respite services.

A $1 million expansion of respite home-care services could allow caregivers to receive up to eight additional hours of family relief per month. The additional funding honours a government commitment and allows respite services to increase from 32 hours to a maximum of 40 hours monthly.

Respite services, such as home care, provide a break for caregivers. It allows them to attend to personal matters and get the rest and relief they may need. Clients will be assessed to determine if additional respite services are required.

"Family caregivers are essential to the health-care system," said Health Minister Jamie Muir. "Increasing respite hours may help to reduce the stress of caregivers, enabling them to continue with their important responsibilities while maintaining a positive and rewarding experience."

Respite relief can be distributed to caregivers in a variety of ways to better accommodate individual needs. Some may decide to dedicate a certain amount of time each week to care for their own personal wants. Others may wish to save their hours, allowing for a family vacation or weekend getaway.

Currently, about 1,300 Nova Scotians benefit from respite services.