In Home Respite Care

Respite care is temporary support for someone who needs assistance, providing their primary caregiver with a break. It may include personal care, companionship, supervision, and meal assistance, either at home or in a care facility, to help prevent caregiver burnout.

The cost of respite care in Ontario depends on the type and setting.

• In-home respite care: Approximately CAD $32.50 per hour for up to 10 hours weekly, and $42 per hour for extra hours.
• Short-term respite care in long-term care homes: Approximately CAD $43.34 per day.
• Retirement or assisted-living respite stays: Usually CAD $100–$175 per day, depending on the facility and level of care.

Respite Care: Provides temporary relief to primary caregivers by offering short-term support to individuals who need assistance. It can include personal care, companionship, meal preparation, and supervision, and is designed for people with ongoing health issues or daily living needs. The aim is to give caregivers a break while ensuring quality care.

Hospice Care: Focuses on end-of-life care for individuals with terminal illnesses. It provides medical, emotional, and spiritual support to the patient and their family, often emphasizing comfort, pain management, and dignity rather than curative treatment.

Respite care involves a trained caregiver visiting the home for a few hours or days to care for an elderly or disabled person, allowing the primary caregiver to rest, run errands, or take time off.

This support can include companionship, personal care, meal preparation, medication reminders, or supervision. It provides the family caregiver with a necessary break while ensuring their loved one continues to receive safe and dependable care.

While respite care is very helpful for most families, there are a few disadvantages to consider.

• Adjustment challenges: The person receiving care might feel uneasy or anxious when with a new caregiver or in an unfamiliar environment.
• Cost concerns: Depending on the type of respite care (in-home or facility-based), it can be costly for some families, particularly for extended stays.
• Limited availability: Some areas may have waitlists or limited scheduling options for respite services.
• Inconsistent caregivers: Rotating caregivers may require time to build trust and establish a steady routine.

Only specific types of respite care are covered through publicly funded programs, home-care services via Ontario Health at Home.

• Ontario Health at Home might completely cover the cost of in-home respite care after an assessment.
• For short stays in a long-term care home, personal support and nursing care are covered, but you will still be responsible for room and board.
• Some types of respite, such as extensive or “extra” non-medical support, might not be fully covered and could require out-of-pocket expenses.

Respite care can last for a few hours, a full day, several days, or even a few weeks, depending on the family’s needs and the provider’s availability. Families often use a few hours of respite each week, while others may arrange overnight or multi-day stays when the primary caregiver needs extended rest, travel time, or recovery.