Released on January 19, 2021
Approved Private Service Home (APSH) caregivers providing support to persons with intellectual disabilities will receive a full pay out of all unused respite funding for the 2020-21 fiscal year.
Typically, under the APSH Respite Subsidy Policy, proprietors are eligible to claim up to 21 days paid respite subsidy to a maximum of $630 per year, on behalf of each resident in their home. The pandemic has made it hard for APSH caregivers to access traditional respite options, so most of the funding has been unclaimed. Many respite options have been closed during the pandemic to ensure the health and safety of staff and clients. Paying out the remaining funds directly to APSHs will allow them to access respite options that best suit their needs over the short-term.
“Many Approved Private Service Homes have been providing care 24 hours a day, seven days a week since the beginning of the pandemic due to the closure or restriction of many day programs, summer camps and volunteer opportunities,” Social Services Minister Lori Carr said. “These caregivers provide valuable support to their residents, and with this funding, we want to ensure service continues to meet the needs of clients.”
There are 206 APSHs providing care and support to 455 people with intellectual disabilities in Saskatchewan. These services can be delivered in their home or in another location. Respite is necessary to give caregivers a break from their constant role. This funding payment supports the Saskatchewan Disability Strategy recommendation ten: Building Capacity of Service Providers, by supporting the health and safety of the disability service provider workforce.
Eligible APSH proprietors can expect funds to arrive in February 2021. Applications are not required for this payment. Questions can be directed to respiteinquiries@gov.sk.ca.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca