Ontario to inject another $20 million into respite care
93 views · Published 25 April 2017 · 1:11 · Indexed 20 September 2026
Channel: Toronto Star · 2017 · News & Politics
People who care for loved ones at home can share in an extra $20 million for respite care this year, Finance Minister Charles Sousa said Tuesday in advance of his spring budget. For more on this story visit the Toronto Star: http://bit.ly/2p3Mcsf. Or read an excerpt of Rob Ferguson and Robert Benzie's article below: Ontario injects another $20 million into respite care The money will help caregivers — such as those caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s or a child with a brain injury — hire a personal support worker or nurse to “lighten the load” of a “difficult” job, Finance Minister Charles Sousa said Tuesday. People who care for loved ones at home can share in an extra $20 million for respite care this year, Finance Minister Charles Sousa said in advance of his spring budget. The money will help caregivers — such as those caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s or a child with a brain injury — hire a personal support worker or nurse so they can get out of the house for shopping, errands or a break to “lighten the load,” Sousa announced at a Davisville seniors centre Tuesday. “Caring for a loved one is difficult,” he said, also promising to streamline the process through which caregivers apply for tax credits. The money will provide for an extra 1.2 million hours of respite care and is in addition to an extra $20 million pumped into the system last year, said Health Minister Eric Hoskins. Providing care puts “incredible physical and emotional stress” on families, Hoskins told reporters. Helen Sanderson is the full-time caregiver to her partner, Rosemary Draper. The existing respite care program has been a huge relief to them both as seniors, Sanderson said. For more on this story visit thestar.com
