Respite Companion Program
As a caregiver for someone with Alzheimer's or related dementia, you may benefit from this program. It provides a quality in-home respite service for you and the person you are caring for. Respite workers are trained to provide supervision, sensory stimulation, companionship and meaningful activity to individuals while offering relief to the primary care givers.  They provide a positive and productive respite experience for you and the individual in your care.
This program provides you with:
- free time to spend as you wish in order to maintain your health and quality of life
- emotional support of an experienced Respite Worker
- information about effective caregiving techniques, community resources and referrals as well as observations of change or concern about the individual in your care
This program provides the individual in your care with:
- appropriate stimulation specific to his/her functional level and interests
- help with activities that bring enjoyment, purpose and meaning to the individual's life
- interaction that helps to maintain functioning and enhances self-esteem which may decrease feelings of depression or loneliness
- supervisory care providing safety, security and reassurance
Respite Workers may provide the individual with:
- help with meaningful activities such as walks, hobbies, socializing or other activities according to his/her ability, need and desire to participate
- assistance with medications according to policy
- preparation and serving of snacks, beverages and light meals
Respite Workers will not:
- clean house, make beds, prepare full meals, do laundry, iron, shop, drive, perform banking or financial transactions or give baths
Hours of Service
You may choose the days and times preferred for respite to a maximum of 20 hours per week. The minimum length of any visit is three hours.Â
Fee
There is a charge for service which is determined according to the individual's income. You may be eligible for fee subsidy.
Overnight and Short-Stay Respite Care
Respite care is also provided at the T. Roy Adams Regional Centre for Dementia Care in St. Catharines.
Contact Us
To apply for the Respite Companion Program or for more information, call Seniors Community Programs at 905-984-2621 or 1-877-212-3922.
