Respite Care in Calgary: Giving Family Caregivers a Break Without the Guilt
- Aruga Home Care
- Oct 19
- 4 min read
Updated: Oct 20
Caring for an aging parent or loved one is an act of love — and one of the most demanding responsibilities a family member can take on. Between work, family, and your own well-being, caregiving can feel like carrying a weight that never gets lighter.
Many caregivers experience “caregiver burden” — the stress, fatigue, and emotional strain that build over time. Guilt often creeps in: “If I take time off, am I failing my parent?” The truth is, respite care isn’t about stepping away — it’s about sustaining care for the long haul.
Why Family Caregivers Need Respite Care in Calgary
Research consistently shows that family caregivers face higher risks of burnout, depression, and physical illness. They often prioritize their loved one’s needs over their own, neglecting rest and self-care.
“Caring for someone living with dementia poses a burden on caregivers and can have negative consequences on their well-being... keeping the quality of life as high as possible for caregivers is of utmost importance.”— Ali Cada, Founder of Aruga Home Care
Supporting caregivers isn’t optional — it’s essential if we want seniors to thrive at home.
What Respite Care Looks Like in Calgary
Take time to rest – we’ll take care of the rest.
Caring for someone you love is an act of devotion — but it can also be exhausting. Aruga’s respite care services in Calgary give family caregivers the support they need to rest, recover, and regroup while ensuring their loved one continues to receive attentive, compassionate care at home.
Whether you need a few hours, a full day, or extended relief, we’re here for you.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care provides temporary, short-term relief for family caregivers while ensuring your loved one continues to receive safe, professional support.
At Aruga Home Care, respite care is flexible — designed around your family’s routines, preferences, and health needs.
How Our Respite Services Work
In-Home Respite Care:Professional caregivers visit your home for a few hours or several days, allowing family members to rest while seniors remain in familiar surroundings.
Overnight or Weekend Care:Ideal for caregivers who need extended rest or time to travel.
Specialized Dementia Respite Care:Trained dementia-informed caregivers provide consistent, compassionate support tailored to memory-care needs.
Creative Engagement & Companionship: We integrate art, music, storytelling, and conversation into every visit to promote joy, calm, and mental stimulation.
Why Respite Care Matters for Families
Respite care isn’t just a break — it’s a foundation for sustainable caregiving. Families who access respite often experience:
Reduced stress and burnout
Improved relationships and patience
Renewed energy and perspective
Better long-term outcomes for both caregiver and senior
Comfort, Connection, and Continuity for Seniors
Your loved one’s well-being is always our priority. During respite, we maintain familiar routines, offer companionship, and encourage gentle creative engagement that enhances daily life.
“The arts can be a universal intervention... to ease caregivers’ burdens and improve their quality of life.”— Ali Cada
Specialized Respite for Dementia Caregivers
Caring for someone living with dementia brings unique challenges. Aruga’s dementia-informed team provides structure, understanding, and compassion — supporting both the senior and their family.
Our creative engagement methods help maintain emotional connection while easing caregiver fatigue.
Who Is Respite Care For?
Respite care is ideal for:
Family caregivers balancing work, children, and home life
Spouses who need rest or time to recharge
Families supporting loved ones with dementia or chronic illness
Seniors who benefit from social engagement and stimulation
How Much Does Respite Care Cost in Calgary?
The cost of respite care depends on the length and type of support required.We offer hourly, daily, and extended care options tailored to each family’s needs.
Aruga Home Care is an authorized provider through Alberta’s Client Directed Home Care Invoicing (CDHCI) program, which allows eligible Albertans to choose a registered provider — like Aruga — for services covered by Alberta Health Services.
Once approved, families receive a set number of care hours each month. Aruga delivers the personalized support your family needs and handles all invoicing directly with Alberta Blue Cross, so you can focus on what matters most.
Let Us Support You in Return
You give so much — let us give you the rest you deserve.
Book a free consultation today to explore how respite care in Calgary can bring you peace of mind and renewed strength.
How Respite Care Benefits Seniors
Respite care also enhances seniors’ quality of life.
Routine and structure: Ensures daily needs are met with care and consistency.
Companionship: Encourages conversation and social connection.
Creative engagement: Integrates art, music, and storytelling to uplift and stimulate.
Emotional reassurance: Seniors feel comfort knowing their loved ones are supported too.
Overcoming Caregiver Guilt
Guilt is one of the biggest barriers to seeking respite care. Many families feel they should “do it all,” but true care requires rest.
Respite ensures continuity, not interruption.
Everyone needs downtime — even professionals.
A refreshed caregiver offers more patience and empathy.
“Caregivers who participated in the arts described respite as freedom, comfort, and renewed happiness.”— Ali Cada
Caring for Yourself Means Caring for Your Loved One
Respite care isn’t about stepping back — it’s about showing up stronger.
“The benefits of the arts are comprehensive... they renew caregivers’ well-being and promote social connection.” — Ali Cada
When caregivers are supported, seniors thrive — and families flourish.
Ready to explore respite care in Calgary?
Connect with Aruga today to learn how our creative, compassionate care can support your family.
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