Access to respite care for parents who have children with disabilities in B.C.

This study uses quantitative and qualitative methods to examine publicly funded respite care for parents who have children with disabilities in British Columbia and the current barriers to accessing this service. A survey was distributed to parents of such children to determine their attitudes towards respite care and the barriers they encounter. This survey data is supplemented by case studies of the respite care systems in Alberta and Manitoba. Analysis of these materials reveals that parents value publicly funded respite care highly and that significant barriers exist to accessing it. The policy alternatives developed through analysis of the data are elimination of the wait list, elimination of the cost to the user, revised eligibility criteria, and improving access to respite care workers. The study assesses the combinations of policies that should be implemented to improve access to respite care effectively and feasibly.