Adult Day Services and Caregiver Relief

Adult day services are a way for an adult with health problems to have a "day out". These programs offer fun activities in a group setting outside of the home. Adult day services give you a short break from your job of caregiving about once a week. These programs are run by staff who know how to properly care for adults with health problems, so you can be sure that the person you care for is getting the attention they need. Adult day services cost about $15-20 per person, per day. Discounts are available for some people.

• List of adult day services in Hamilton

Short-term caregiver relief programs (also called "respite care") are similar to adult day services. Health care staff will care for an older adult so that you can take a break. They can care for someone in their home or in a nursing home for a short time (between 60 and 90 days per year). Caregiver relief programs are helpful if you want to go on vacation but don't want to leave an older adult on their own. The cost of in-home care is covered by the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) if the person needing care qualifies for Community Care Access Centre (CCAC) services (visit our CCAC page to learn more about home services). The cost of short-term caregiver relief in a nursing home is NOT covered by OHIP. The Ministry of Health regularly updates their webpage with the cost for this kind of care.

• List of caregiver relief programs in Hamilton

How to apply for adult day services or short-term caregiver relief

Adult day services and caregiver relief programs are managed by your local CCAC. If you are living in Hamilton, call CCAC Hamilton at 905-523-8600. The CCAC will tell you if the person you are caring for is right for either program.

Some programs have waiting lists, which are managed by the CCAC. Those who have been waiting the longest for admission into the program are contacted first.

Adult day services in Hamilton

A valid Ontario health card is needed for these programs.

Caregiver relief programs in Hamilton

A valid Ontario health card is needed for these programs.

A longer list of adult day services and caregiver relief programs (among many other things) in and around Hamilton can be found in the HNHB Healthline Directory.

Other helpful links for caregivers:

• The Caregiver Exchange
• Canadian Caregiver Coalition
• Caregiver and Older Adult Tax Credits