Respite is a general term used meaning giving someone a break from care.  Caregivers need respite to reduce burnout, to relax, to enjoy their passions, and to decrease the risk of crisis.  Individuals receiving care also need respite.  They need time away from their main caregiver.  Respite is an opportunity for people to learn new skills and meet new people, build community supports and peer relationships.  Respite Now is a program to help make these essential connections between Caregivers and Respite Workers.

Respite NOW is designed to strengthen collaborations with existing networks and to build respite services capacity in real time.

This initiative was created to support families to gain access to respite supports in the Haliburton, Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, and Northumberland counties.

The Respite NOW design will provide families easier access to workers in their home area, through strengthening navigation, coordination, and accessibility of available providers.

By receiving funding from the Ministry of Community and Social Services’ Employment and Modernization Fund, Community Living Trent Highlands, and Community Living and Respite Northumberland, our communities are able to work together to holistically improve respite services.