Respite Care in BC: You Deserve a Break Too

Respite care is temporary care for your loved one so you can take a break. It's not about giving up. It's about sustaining your ability to provide care over the long term.

Family caregivers in BC provide an estimated $3.5 billion worth of unpaid care each year. Burnout is extremely common. Taking regular breaks is one of the most effective ways to prevent it. Respite care exists specifically for this purpose. If you're feeling the strain, that's completely normal.

BC offers several types of respite care. The right option depends on your situation and what's available in your community:

• In-facility respite: Your loved one stays temporarily at a care facility. This is usually a long-term care or assisted living home, for a few days up to 30 days. They receive the same care as permanent residents.
• Adult day programs: Structured daytime programs at community centres or care facilities. Your loved one attends during the day and comes home in the evening. Programs typically run 3-5 days per week. They include meals, activities, and supervision.
• In-home respite: A trained care worker comes to your home. They care for your loved one while you step out. This can be a few hours a week or longer.
• Informal respite: Other family members, friends, or volunteers help out. Organizations like the Alzheimer Society offer volunteer companion programs.

How you access respite care depends on whether you want subsidized or private options:

Subsidized respite (through your health authority):

1. Contact your regional health authority's Home & Community Care office
2. Request a caregiver needs assessment. You can also ask your loved one's existing case manager.
3. The case manager will arrange respite services based on availability and your needs
4. In-facility respite may need advance booking. Plan at least 2-4 weeks ahead.

Private respite:

• Contact private home care agencies directly for in-home respite
• Some private retirement homes and assisted living facilities offer short-term stays. No health authority referral is needed.
• Search CareCompare for facilities in your area. Call to ask about respite availability.

Costs vary depending on the type and whether it's subsidized:

• Subsidized in-facility respite: Income-tested at $44.38/day based on your income assessment
• Subsidized adult day programs: About $10.00/day through health authorities
• Subsidized in-home respite: Health authorities provide limited hours at no cost or income-tested rates
• Private in-home respite: $35–$75/hour through private agencies (companion care from $35, personal care from $40+)
• Private facility respite: $150-$350/day depending on the facility and care level

Even if subsidized options have waitlists, they're worth pursuing. Ask your case manager about emergency respite too. This is available on short notice when caregivers are in crisis. If you're feeling the strain of caregiving, read our guide on caregiver burnout signs and BC resources.

Many caregivers resist using respite care because they feel guilty about needing a break. This is natural. It's also one of the most common feelings caregivers share. Research consistently shows that caregivers who use respite services:

• Provide better quality care when they are present
• Experience lower rates of depression and anxiety
• Are able to sustain caregiving longer before needing permanent placement
• Have better physical health outcomes

Your loved one may actually benefit from the change of setting and social interaction. Many families report that their parent enjoys the adult day program or short-term stay.

If you're feeling overwhelmed, the BC Caregiver Support Line (1-877-520-3267) offers free, confidential support. You don't have to carry this alone.

How do I get respite care for my parent in BC?

Contact your regional health authority's Home & Community Care office. Request a caregiver needs assessment. The case manager will arrange subsidized respite based on availability. For private respite, contact home care agencies or facilities directly.

How much does respite care cost in BC?

Subsidized in-facility respite is income-tested at $44.38/day. Adult day programs cost about $10.00/day. Private in-home respite runs $35–$75/hour. Private facility stays cost $150-$350/day.

Can I get respite care without a health authority referral?

Yes. Private respite care doesn't require a referral. Private home care agencies and some private facilities offer respite services directly. Subsidized respite does require a health authority assessment.