Informal caregiving is a hugely underrated resource, as this contributes billions of dollars in unpaid labour to the Canada Health System (Hajek & Konig, 2015). The consequences of failing to provide respite can include caregiver burnout, crisis, neglect, and abuse (Health Canada, 2003). Health Canada goes on to report that some of the largest groups requiring respite services are elderly spouses or elderly patients, and middle-aged children who are taking care of their own children and their aging parents (2003). The coverage for such services varies between provinces as respite services fall under health jurisdiction. Health Canada reports that in Newfoundland and Labrador, “mental health clients are only eligible for general home care programs [(which provide indirect respite)] if they also have a physical disability or illness (2003).” Although this statement is over 15 years old, it’s shocking to see that this was ever the case. Based on my preliminary review, it appears British Columbia, Ontario, and Yukon, offer explicit mental health respite services. I could not find any information about respite services for Mental Health explicitly, in Alberta.
Provincial policy across the country can improve by incorporating mental health clients in their eligibility criterion for respite services. Specialized services could also be developed, such as respite care for older adults, adults, and children as their needs may differ.
References:
Hajek, A. & Konig, H. (2016). The effect of intra-and intergenerational caregiving on subjective well-being- evidence of a population based longitudinal study among older adults in Germany. PLOS ONE,DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0148916
Dunbrack, J., Health Canada (2003). Respite for family caregivers – An environmental scan of publicly-funded programs in canada. Retrieved from https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/health-care-system/reports-publications/home-continuing-care/respite-family-caregivers-environmental-scan-publicly-funded-programs-canada.html
Mental Health Policy for Older Adults 