Taking a break

Province expands adult day program that gives caregivers respite

When Sandra MacFadyen moved back to P.E.I. from Baltimore in 2013 to care for her father, it wasn’t easy. James MacFadyen, 87, has been diagnosed with dementia, but Sandra said he is fine physically.

“It’s been a challenge being a caregiver, but it’s been a huge blessing to be able to have this time with my dad,” she said.

After several years of living with Sandra, James recently moved into long-term care. Sandra said caring for her father at home made it more challenging to get out of the house on her own. “You’re on a much more structured schedule,” she said.

In the fall of 2013, James started attending the adult day program at Brecken House in the Prince Edward Home in Charlottetown, gradually increasing his attendance to three days a week.

On Wednesday, the provincial government announced it was expanding the program this fall, including the number of hours in Alberton, Summerside, Charlottetown and Souris, to add 40 more spaces each week.

It’s an increase from the 160 to 180 spaces per week the program currently offers.

Along with offering seniors social activities and personal care services, the program also gives caregivers a break from the daily care of their loved ones.

Spending on the program is expected to increase by about $180,000 from its current annual budget of $536,700. With the program expansion, the province expects to hire 2.7 full-time staff.

The program costs participants between $5 and $6 per day, depending on where they attend.

Sandra praised the care her father received through the program, saying it gave her a chance to take care of herself and other matters while knowing her father was safe and well taken care of.

“Besides just being safe, I knew he was being stimulated and socializing,” she said. When she picked him up at the end of the day James always seemed brighter and more social, Sandra said.

“He just seemed happier.” Sandra said the program gave her the respite she needed and the break her father needed from her.

“Overall it’s been fantastic,” she said.

Health Minister Robert Henderson said the expansion of the program is a chance to enhance the services already offered.

“That takes a lot of pressure off more families. It takes pressure off individuals that are just wanting a break, respite,” he said.

Opposition family and human services critic Darlene Compton said it was great to see the program expanded, but she expected an announcement Wednesday involving federal funding for home care. “The adult day program is just one part of home care so there doesn’t seem to be any tie to the federal money,” she said.