Respite and Renew: Caregiver Support

Respite and Renew: Caregiver Support at VHA Home HealthCare

Being a caregiver to a loved one living with dementia or a chronic illness is a complex, full-time job. Caregivers often take on multiple physical, mental and emotional roles, usually with no training or support. In the process, they may neglect their own health and wellness.

Our expert care providers meet clients in their own homes and relieve caregivers of their duties while also engaging the person being cared for in a range of activities designed to improve well-being and spark joy. For a few hours, caregivers can prioritize their own physical and mental well-being—that might mean attending a medical appointment, meeting a friend for coffee, or relaxing in a quiet bath, knowing their loved one is involved in supportive activities with an experienced and compassionate professional.

The 12 weeks that I received respite through VHA's Respite and Renew service were a blessing for me. During that time, I could go out on my own to medical appointments and run errands. I even got to see a friend without worry. I couldn’t do that without this VHA service.
- Respite and Renew: Caregiver Support Client

How we can help

Enabling caregivers to focus on self-care
Preventing caregiver burnout through in-home respite
Supporting people living with dementia through individualized, in-home wellness programming
Reducing caregiver isolation with connections to additional community supports

Program Variations and Eligibility

Funding may be available for this service depending on an individual’s situation, age and location.

Respite and Renew: Caregiver Support (formerly known as Active Body, Active Mind), Toronto offers short-term in-home respite for caregivers in need of support and relief from caring for a senior (55+) living with dementia. A trained Personal Support Worker (PSW) will provide in-home recreation activities to boost their physical and mental well-being while the caregiver receives a much needed break to attend to their own self-care needs. This program focuses on the belief that a feelings-based approach will allow clients living with dementia to thrive.

Program Service Area: City of Toronto

Program Eligibility Criteria:

Any family member who is in a frequent caregiving role
Low-income households
No other in-home respite supports

For more information, contact our Intake Social Worker at 416-489-2500 and select option 2.

Respite and Renew: Caregiver Support (formerly known as Active Body, Active Mind), Region of Peel offers short-term in-home respite for caregivers in need of support and relief from caring for a senior (55+) living with dementia. A trained Personal Support Worker (PSW) will provide in-home recreation activities to boost their physical and mental well-being while the caregiver receives a much needed break to attend to their own self-care needs. This program focuses on the belief that a feelings-based approach will allow clients living with dementia to thrive.

Program Service Area: Region of Peel (Mississauga, Brampton, Caledon)

Program Eligibility Criteria:

Any family member who is in a frequent caregiving role
Low-income households
No other in-home respite supports

For more information, contact our Intake Social Worker at 416-489-2500 and select option 2.

To learn more about other community support services and programs offered by VHA Home HealthCare, please visit our Responsive Community Care page.