PROVINCE BOOSTS RESPITE SUBSIDY FOR APPROVED PRIVATE-SERVICE HOMES

Proprietors of approved private-service homes for people with intellectual disabilities will have access to an enhanced respite subsidy as of January 1, 2010.

The enhanced subsidy will boost the amount invested by the province to provide respite to approved private-service home proprietors by up to $380,000 annually. The enhancement will allow proprietors to purchase up to an additional 21 days of respite per year for each person with an intellectual disability who lives in their home - at a rate of $30 per client, per day, to a maximum of $630.

"This significant enhancement to the respite subsidy for approved private-service home proprietors demonstrates, once again, our government's commitment to ensuring quality supports for people with intellectual disabilities," Social Services Minister Donna Harpauer said. "Approved private-service home proprietors are an essential component of the range of services available to people with disabilities in Saskatchewan, and that is why we are investing more than $2.5 million over the next four years to improve supports for this important residential resource."

Respite involves either a replacement caregiver coming into the home for a short time, or the temporary transfer of the resident or residents to another home to receive care. Respite offers the primary caregivers a break from their daily responsibilities, helping to rejuvenate their physical, emotional and spiritual health, and fostering healthy, caring relationships.

The enhanced respite subsidy and other new funding for approved private-service homes are part of the province's four-year, $76.9 million commitment to eliminate the waitlist of 440 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities who require residential, day and specialized programs that meet their assessed needs.

"We are so pleased and thrilled by this announcement," Saskatchewan Approved Private Homes Association Provincial President Debbie Mickleborough said. "This government has recognized the work that is being done by the approved private home sector. This enhancement for approved private-service home proprietors will help with respite supports and will enable ongoing supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities."

The province-wide, $76.9 million waitlist initiative, announced by Harpauer in October 2008, is being phased in over four years and includes $27.8 million in funding for capital projects. This investment is the largest in Saskatchewan history to support people with intellectual disabilities.

By the end of this fiscal year, projects will be underway to serve 264 Saskatchewan people with intellectual disabilities - 60 per cent of the waitlist. The government is on pace to eliminate the 440 waitlist by 2013.

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For more information, contact:

Brian Miller
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-0531
Email: brian.miller3@gov.sk.ca