Resources · Vemaro Support
Respite care for family caregivers in Laval and Montréal
Caring for a loved one takes a lot of energy. Here are the main types of respite available in Québec, how to access them in Laval and Montréal, and where to find someone to talk to.
What is respite for?
Respite lets a family caregiver take time for themselves while a trained person looks after the person receiving care. It aims to reduce stress and physical and emotional fatigue, prevent burnout and allow you to recharge: sharing a meal with a friend, running errands, going to a medical appointment or simply resting. It can be occasional, regular or extended.
The main types of respite
In-home respite
A trained worker looks after the person at home for a few hours. Offered by CLSCs, it generally lasts up to about 3 hours, depending on the CLSC, and is available when the caregiver lives with the person and cannot safely leave them alone. Community organizations and social economy enterprises also offer it.
Day centre
One or sometimes two days a week, the person enjoys an outing that usually includes therapeutic exercises. Offered by most CIUSSS and CISSS, there is generally a waiting list.
Temporary accommodation
Public CHSLDs (long-term care centres) often offer respite: the minimum stay is 4 days and the maximum is generally 21 days. It is best to book ahead, as these places are in high demand in summer and over the holidays.
Baluchon Alzheimer
A government-subsidized community organization: a trained “baluchonneuse” lives at the home of the person receiving care 24 hours a day, for 4 to 14 days.
How to access respite
In most cases, the request is made to the CLSC worker for the territory where the person receiving care lives, who assesses the needs. If you do not have an active file with the CLSC, you can open one. You can also dial 811, option 2 (Info-Social). Some respite services are also offered by community organizations (such as Alzheimer Societies) and social economy enterprises, and private temporary accommodation services exist: ask each organization or business about its conditions.
In Laval
Santé Québec Laval, through its home support unit, offers support to family caregivers: respite, day centre, temporary accommodation and individual support.
The Association lavalloise des personnes aidantes (ALPA) offers a subsidized in-home respite service for Laval caregivers who live under the same roof as the person receiving care. According to its website, the service runs from 7 a.m. to midnight, 7 days a week, up to 8 hours per week (two 4-hour blocks or one 8-hour block), and you must be an ALPA member. Information and registration: 450 686-2572, ext. 221. Conditions can change: check directly with the association.
In Montréal
In Montréal, the CLSC responsible depends on your address. Call the CLSC for your area (leave a message with your name, number and reason for calling: someone will call you back), dial 811, option 2, or reach Services Québec at 514 644-4545 to be directed. Alzheimer Societies, community centres for seniors and social economy enterprises also offer respite: ask each organization about its conditions.
Need someone to talk to?
Info-aidant (L’Appui): a free, confidential listening, information and referral service for family caregivers. Phone: 1 855 852-7784, Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., or by chat.
In-home respite with Vemaro Support
If you are looking for in-home respite in Laval or Montréal, Vemaro Support provides presence, companionship and help with daily life (meals, errands, appointments, outings) through personal support workers (PABs) who are salaried Vemaro employees, supervised by a nurse. Support is available by day, evening and night, depending on staff availability, in English and in French. The initial assessment by a supervising nurse is free and carries no obligation. PABs do not provide nursing care.
Some home service expenses may also qualify for a tax credit: see our guide.
Sources
- L’Appui — Respite services (page in French)
- L’Appui — Info-aidant (page in French)
- ALPA — Subsidized in-home respite service, Laval (page in French)
- Santé Québec Laval — Home support (page in French)
- Services Québec — Programs and services for seniors (2025 edition, in French)
Sources last checked: November 2, 2026. This information is general and does not replace the advice of a professional (doctor, nurse, Revenu Québec adviser). Rules, amounts and deadlines can change: always check with the organization concerned.
More guides
Choosing a home care service in Montréal or Laval
CLSC, social economy or private agency: the steps and the questions to ask.
Québec tax credit for home support for seniors
Who qualifies, 2026 amounts, eligible services and how to apply.
Become a PAB in home care: training, admission and jobs
Training, admission, scholarships and how to find a job in Laval or Montréal.
Let’s talk about your needs
For a first question or to request a free initial assessment:
Not for emergencies: dial 911.
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