The Saskatchewan government has announced that additional funding will be provided to caregivers of people with intellectual disabilities to help them take respite time away from their caregiving role.
The funding will provide $100 per month from June to September to pay for respite or respite activities, so caregivers have access to broader options that are individual-focused or family-focused at this time.
The government created the funding program to offer help to parents and caregivers in the wake of province-wide day program closures, summer camp cancellations, and part-time work and volunteer shortages during the pandemic.
“Caregivers are doing tremendous work providing care and support to people with intellectual disabilities during this pandemic – often 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” said Social Services Minister Paul Merriman in a press release. “With increased pressures during this time, they need a break to be able to maintain their supports. This benefit will help with that during the next four months.”
An estimated 2,800 caregivers will be eligible to apply for these respite payments, including families caring for adult Community Living Service Delivery clients and families receiving the Family Respite Benefit.
Also eligible for the funding are Approved Service Home proprietors and Mental Health Approved Home proprietors.
The benefit supports the province’s Disability Strategy recommendation Valuing Families, by offering support during their caregiving role.
