Respite Care
for Seniors at Home

What's included in Respite Care

Caring for a parent or spouse is an act of love, and it is also exhausting. Respite care gives family caregivers time to rest, work, see friends, travel or simply sleep, knowing their loved one is in good hands at home.

Our respite caregivers step into your routine rather than replacing it. Before the first visit we learn how you do things — meals, medication times, favourite programmes, how your loved one likes to be helped — so the day feels normal for them while you are away.

Respite can be a regular weekly break, cover for a planned trip, or emergency support when a family caregiver is unwell. It is also a good way to introduce home care gradually, so your loved one gets to know a caregiver before more support is needed.

What we help with

• Short visits of a few hours, full days or overnight stays
• Weekend, holiday and vacation cover
• Emergency respite when a family caregiver is ill
• Personal care, meals and medication reminders
• Companionship and favourite activities
• Dementia-aware respite for loved ones with memory loss
• Following your existing routines and preferences
• A clear handover when you return

Benefits for your loved one

Who it's for

Respite care is for family caregivers who need a break, and for seniors who should not be left alone while their usual caregiver is away.

It is a good fit for adult children caring for a parent alongside work, spouses caring for a husband or wife at home, families planning a trip, wedding or hospital stay of their own, and households caring for a loved one with dementia.

What a typical visit looks like

First comes handover: a quick briefing from you on today's plan, medication times and anything new. Then care as usual: meals, personal care and reminders exactly as your loved one is used to.

Next, company and activity: conversation, a walk, a game or a favourite show — the day stays pleasant and familiar. Finally, welcome back: a written and verbal handover when you return, so nothing is missed.

Scheduling

Respite can be booked as a regular weekly break, for a block of days, or at short notice. Options include weekly respite visits, overnight and multi-day cover, and short-notice emergency respite.

One caregiver, one visit: respite care pairs naturally with Companionship, Dementia & Alzheimer's Care and 24-Hour & Live-In Care.

Getting started

Call us at 416-789-6555 or simply fill out the form to contact us regarding inquiries. Together we will customize a unique care plan that is tailored towards your loved one's needs — your journey towards enduring care begins with us.

Care is available in Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, Swedish, Arabic and English, proudly serving Vaughan, Mississauga, Milton, Brampton, Toronto, Richmond Hill and the wider Greater Toronto Area. Learn more about MERICARE or browse all services.

Related reading: How To Use A Cane Correctly For Seniors, from the MERICARE blog.

Frequently asked