Self-Directed Caregiver Respite Pilot Program Expansion

October 5, 2022

The Regional Respite Caregiver Working Group is pleased to announce the regional expansion of the Self-Directed Caregiver Respite Pilot Program. First trialled in November 2020 by The Friends, the Alzheimer Society of Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts, Alzheimer Society of Sault Ste. Marie & Algoma District, and the Alzheimer Society of Timmins-Porcupine District, this pilot program served to provide caregivers with their own funding resources.

The pilot targeted participants who resided in rural communities and had limited or no access to traditional HSP respite services. These individuals were granted a monthly allocation that could pay for unconventional respite services, for example, having a caregiver’s neighbour spend time playing cards with the client.
 

Based on the success of the initial pilot, the program will be offered to eligible caregivers within the Northeast, starting on October 3rd, 2022. Eligible caregivers may receive up to $1200 per fiscal year to direct their own flexible respite services with a provider of their choosing (e.g., Friends, Family, private Health Service Partners).

Referrals for the program will be received by the Home and Community Support Innovation Centre through the North East Community Support Services Network. Following a vetting process, the referral will be forwarded to one of four Caregiver Respite providers based on the client’s location. These four organizations will be responsible for the eligibility determination, care coordination, administration, and facilitation of the pilot.
 

Full information on the pilot program will be available through the Innovation Portal, which will include Standard Operational Guidelines, Process Maps, Standard Works, and a brief training module.

 The link for this information can be found by clicking here.


Share this

More Content

Celebrating Congregate Dining Day

By Kim Marin • October 7, 2026
Today, we celebrate Congregate Dining programs that bring people together through shared meals, meaningful conversations, and social connection. These programs help foster a sense of belonging while supporting overall well-being and community engagement. Looking for support for yourself, a family member, friend, or client? Learn more about available services and make a referral through our online portal: www.northeastsupport.ca

Celebrating Meals on Wheels Week

By Kim Marin • October 6, 2026
October is Community Support Month , an opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness about the value of community support services and the dedicated staff, volunteers, caregivers, and service providers who make them possible. Throughout the month, we're highlighting the programs that help individuals remain independent, connected, and supported in their communities. This Meals on Wheels Week, we recognize the incredible impact of nutritious meals and friendly check-ins that help individuals maintain their health, independence, and connection to the community. Looking for support for yourself, a family member, friend, or client? Learn more about available services and make a referral through our online portal: www.northeastsupport.ca

World Alzheimer's Month

By Kim Marin • September 2, 2026
September is World Alzheimer's Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias, challenging stigma, and recognizing the impact these conditions have on individuals, families, care partners, and communities. It is also an opportunity to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and the resources available to support people throughout their journey. This year's campaign theme, " The Earlier You Know, The More You Can Do: A Dementia Diagnosis Matters ," emphasizes the value of recognizing symptoms early and accessing information, support, and services as soon as possible. While a dementia diagnosis can bring uncertainty and difficult emotions, it can also open the door to education, planning, and a network of support that helps individuals and families move forward with confidence and understanding. At Home & Community Support Innovation Centre, we recognize that dementia affects more than the person living with the disease. It touches families, friends, neighbours, caregivers, and communities. Supporting people living with dementia requires a collective effort, grounded in compassion, awareness, and access to reliable resources. As part of World Alzheimer's Month, we encourage everyone to learn about the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. Understanding these signs can help foster important conversations, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek assessment and support sooner. One of the key messages behind this campaign is that dementia is not a normal part of aging, and early awareness can make a meaningful difference for individuals and their loved ones. For those who are concerned about memory changes, supporting a loved one, or navigating a recent diagnosis, there are resources available to help. The Getting a Diagnosis Toolkit provides practical guidance for individuals and families, including information about the diagnostic process, preparing for appointments, and connecting with community supports. The Alzheimer Society of Sudbury-Manitoulin North Bay & Districts and the Alzheimer Society of Ontario also offer education, information, and support for individuals, families, and care partners throughout Ontario. These organizations play an important role in helping people access trusted information and feel supported throughout every stage of the dementia journey.
More Posts