We always want the best for our loved ones. That is why many people assume unpaid family caregiving roles for their elderly family members. There is no doubt that caregiving can be rewarding. There is also no doubt that it can be draining. There may be times when unpaid caregivers need breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. In these situations, families can make use of short-term respite care services. This way, they can ensure their loved one is cared for while they take care of their own needs and mental health.
What is Respite Care?
When most people think of senior care, they often think of long-term care settings like assisted living communities. Respite care is different.
Respite care is a short-term service that gives family caregivers a break from their responsibilities. This break allows them to rest and attend to other duties. It gives caregivers time to take care of their own health without having to worry about their family member’s well-being.
Families can receive respite services as in-home care services or institutional services received in a communal living setting.
Benefits of Respite Care Services
Respite care provides a range of benefits for both the primary caregiver and the care recipient alike, including:
- Time to rest and recharge. Professional caregivers know how to handle seniors’ needs, giving unpaid caregivers a much-needed break. It is an opportunity for caregivers to have time to themselves, practice self-care, and maintain a sense of identity outside a caregiving role.
- Peace of mind and reduced tension. An older adult who has previously been socially active and suddenly becomes housebound can quickly become irritable. This irritation can translate to lashing out at a family caregiver. It is no one’s fault; no amount of loving care can fully replace the independence the older adult once enjoyed. Respite services can provide each family member involved a break from the situation, letting tensions subside.
- Domestic help. Caregivers often help with time-consuming household chores that older adults may not be able to handle, like meal preparation. Professional caregiver support can help families who need help with these activities of daily living like washing clothes, bathing, and getting dressed.
- Social interaction. Being with a new person is like experiencing a change of scenery. A new caregiving professional adds valuable social interaction to the older person’s routine.
- Seeing senior communities up close. Respite care in a senior living community lets families explore the community intimately. If the older person eventually needs to move to another care setting, both the caregiver and care recipient will be more informed.
Who Needs Respite Care?
Providing 24/7 personal care or health care services is draining. Caretakers need time to rest and decompress, take a vacation, get some shopping done, go to appointments, or just get out and exercise.
Families may utilize respite care if they’re caring for someone with a condition like:
- Cancer
- A brain injury from a stroke
- Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia
- Blindness
Where Can You Receive Respite Services?
Respite care providers offer these services in different settings, including:
- Adult day care centers
- In-home respite care services/home care agencies/home health aides
- Hospice care agencies
- Assisted living facilities
- Memory care communities
- Skilled nursing care facilities (nursing homes)
How Much Does Respite Care Cost?
The cost of respite care varies depending on several factors. These factors include:
- Health insurance plans
- Medicaid waivers
- Location of services
- Type of respite care
- Duration of services
How Can I Find Respite Care Near Me?
Resources for finding respite services include:
- Alzheimer’s Association’s Community Resource Finder
- Local Area Agency on Aging
- Administration for Community Living’s Eldercare Locator
- Arch National Respite Network and Resource Center
- Avista Senior Living
Avista Can Help You Avoid Caregiver Burnout
The role of family caregiver is rewarding but challenging. When caring for someone else, caregivers need to remember to care for themselves too. Caregiver burnout is real; long-term stress can lead to physical and emotional illness.
Respite programs like those at Avista Senior Living offer the caregiver support families need. Contact us today to learn more about our respite care services and to find a community that offers these services near you.