Are you a caregiver who would you like to learn about relief or respite care options? Do you want to know about caregiver supports that exist in your community?
If so, there are programs and services available to support you.
What is a caregiver?
A caregiver is anyone who provides short- or long-term care for another person. Family, friends, neighbours, loved ones, or hired professionals, can all provide caregiving supports.
Caregiving supports are often provided for:
- Children
- Seniors
- Individuals with a disability
- people recovering from an illness or injury, and/or
- people with a chronic health condition.
Caregivers can help with a variety of tasks such as:
- shopping,
- light housekeeping
- paying bills/managing money
- activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, etc),
- grocery shopping, meals planning and preparing,
- managing medications,
- transportation,
- mental and physical activities, and
- emotional support and companionship.
Respite/Relief Care
Caregiving can be a rewarding but challenging experience. It is both normal and healthy to take a break from your caregiving responsibilities. This is called respite or relief care. Respite or relief care can be arranged with family or friends, the Department of Social Development, or privately.
Common supports for caregivers include:
Caring for yourself: If you are a caregiver, it’s important that you take steps to care for your own health. Visit the Government of New Brunswick’s Caregiver’s Guide for tips on self-care.
Support Networks: The Government of New Brunswick’s Caregivers’ guide provides information on building support networks and how family, friends, and neighbours can play an important role in supporting caregivers.
Employment Supports: Certain employers may be willing to support caregivers by providing flexible work policies (i.e., the ability to work from home, extended lunches, flexible hours, etc). If appropriate, talk to you employer about potential accommodations and supports.
Medical Alert Systems: Technology such as Lifeline or Care Link Advantage can help individuals live independently and summon help in an emergency. Many of these services also offer automatic fall detection, motion sensors, or medication reminders. These tools can help ease the anxiety of caregivers who cannot be with the person they are caring for all the time.
Meals on Wheels: This service delivers nutritious and affordable ready-made meals to the home. Visit the Meals on Wheels page for more information and to find out if there are services in your area.
Adult Day Centers: These centres provide the opportunity to be social and take part in activities in a safe and supervised setting outside of the home. Visit the Adult Day Centres page for more information.
Home Support Respite: Home support workers are trained caregivers who provide relief care or other supervisory supports in the home. Home support services may be able to help with a variety of daily activities like cooking, bathing, and cleaning. Learn about more about the type of supports available on the Home Support Services page.
Special Care or Nursing Home Respite: Some special care or nursing homes offer short-term respite care for caregivers. Cost and availability vary by location. Visit nb.211.ca online or call 2-1-1 for a list of special care or nursing homes in your area.
Help Paying for Services
Are you a caregiver for a senior or person with a disability? Does the person you care for need help paying for respite/relief care services?
If so, the Department of Social Development’s Long Term Care and Disability Support Programs may be able to help:
Long Term Care Program (LTC)
The LTC program offers supports to help seniors 65 and older remain in their homes. They also provide caregiver supports. The LTC program will assess, develop a plan, and coordinate services that best meet your goals. The person you care for may also qualify for financial help towards the cost of services. If you prefer not to go through the LTC program you can access many of these supports on your own. Visit the Long Term Care Program’s page for more information and to apply.
Disability Support Program (DSP)
The DSP program provides personalized, flexible supports for adults with disabilities to increase their independence and connection to the community. They also provide caregiver supports. Visit the Disability Support Program page for more information and to apply.
