The province has announced Thursday some additional respite funding for caregivers of those with intellectual disabilities.
A total of $1.125 million in funding is going to caregivers. This is for $100 per month from June to September 2020 to pay for respite or respite activities. According to a news release this is designed to help fill the gap that closure of day programs, as well as the shortage of part-time work and volunteer opportunities, has created during the pandemic.
According to the province the pandemic has meant the closure of many respite options, including summer camps. The province states that the funding will allow caregivers to access broader respite options that work in a person-centred or family-focused way during the current situation in Saskatchewan.
Approximately 2,800 caregivers will be eligible for payments including families caring for adult Community Living Service Delivery clients in their homes; families receiving the Family Respite Benefit for children under the age of 18 with an intellectual disability; and Approved Private Service Home proprietors including Mental Health Approved Home proprietors.
“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,” Social Services Minister Paul Merriman said in a statement. “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.”
