Respite Program

Are you the primary caregiver of someone with a mental illness?  Would you like a break to attend to your own needs?

Respite is a temporary, short term program designed to support the primary unpaid caregiver of someone with a serious mental illness who lives at home.

What respite care can do for a caregiver:

• Provide periodic breaks from caregiving
• Alleviate stress in the home
• Give peace of mind in the knowledge that their ill family member is in a safe and supportive environment
• Provide the opportunity to feel independent again
• Share the burden of responsibility

What respite care can do for a person with mental illness:

• Provide a break from his or her regular caregiver
• Alleviate isolation
• Provide support and assistance
• Provide planned outings such as walks, swimming, shopping, lunch, coffee
• Provide an opportunity to pursue persoanl interests
• Encourage participation in community, social, recreational or educational programs
• Provide an opportunity to feel independent
• Assist in developing life skills and to gain independence

The primary goals are to give the caregivers some relief, help reduce stress and improve the well-being of the family and have a positive influence on the person with a mental illness.

BCSS Victoria provides trained, qualified professionals who are experienced in mental health services.  Respite services can be arranged on a weekly, bi-weekly or periodic basis.  The needs of each family is taken into consideration when planning for service.  All costs are administered by BCSS Victoria.  Funding is provided by the Vancouver Island Health Authority.