Respite Care
Many seniors and older adults are able to stay at home and in their communities thanks to the support of family and friend caregivers.
Being a caregiver requires a lot of energy and dedication. Sometimes, for a variety of reasons, a caregiver requires a break from their caregiving role for a short period of time.
Respite care allows a loved one to be placed as a short-stay in personal care homes and long-term care Facilities. Stay may be booked for a maximum of 30 days per year. Care may be requested in a 30-day block or in series of shorter blocks.
Booking requests for respite care are accepted up to one year in advance, on a first-come, first-serve basis. If the time requested is not available, you will be placed on a waitlist and offered space if a cancellation occurs.
Placement
Planning and preparing for placement may be difficult for you and your family. At Eastern Health, we believe that asking questions and developing a good plan will help you and your family adjust to the change. We recommend that you prepare for decision making prior to your admission. Placement into a personal care home involves the following:
Assessment
Assessment for placement in a personal care home is completed by a community health nurse or social worker for individuals living at home, and may be arranged by contacting your community health office.
Admission
If you live in the community, the application process includes a visit from a nurse or a social worker who completes a needs assessment to determine your care requirements, and the best options for you. You must also have a medical form completed by your doctor, and a chest X-ray taken. If you are in a hospital, a social worker will assist you with the application process.
Wait times
Often times, there may not be a vacant bed available that can provide the care you need at the time of your application. When this happens, your name will be added to a waitlist.
Our waitlist is based on need rather than length of time you are on the list. If a suitable bed becomes vacant, and you are assessed as being in the greatest need, you will be offered placement.
If you are in hospital waiting for a bed, you will be expected to accept the first available bed offered to you – even though it may not be in your preferred facility.
How to access services
Admission for respite care services is coordinated by the placement services. The community health nurse or social worker assisting you with a respite application can provide information on service locations, availability and rates.
Locations
Respite care is offered at the following long-term care facilities:
- St. Luke’s Homes, St. John’s
- The Agnes Pratt Nursing Home, St. John’s
- Dr. Walter Templeman Health Care Centre, Bell Island
- Lion’s Manor Nursing Home, Placentia
- U.S. Memorial Health Centre, St. Lawrence
Requests for personal care home respite is subject to bed availability and may not be guaranteed in the applicant’s home of choice.
Contact information
If you require respite services, please contact Placement Services at 709-752-8702.
Avalon and surrounding areas:
Seniors’ Intake line: 709-752-4835
Adult Disability Intake line: 709-752-4717
Rural Avalon and surrounding areas:
Seniors’ Intake Line: 709-786-5217
Adult Disability Intake Line: 709-786-5217
Peninsulas and surrounding areas:
Seniors’ Intake Line: 709-466-570
Adult Disability Intake Line: 709-466-5706
Choosing a facility
Although you are not guaranteed a bed in your preferred facility, you can request a transfer once you have been admitted. It is important for you to move to a facility that can best meet your care needs as soon as possible.
We recommend that you tour a few homes before naming your preferred home on your application.
Safety or other additional important information
Planning and preparing for placement may be difficult for you and your family. At Eastern Health, we believe that asking questions and developing a good plan will help you and your family adjust to the change. We recommend that you prepare for decision making prior to your admission.