What Does Respite Care Mean
What Does Respite Care Mean?
In the US alone, there are more than 40 million voluntary caretakers taking care of their family members or loved ones. As the number of senior citizens grows, the number of caretakers also increases simultaneously.
Unpaid caretakers are usually people who want to save money on professional caregiving services or those who want to personally care for their elderly members due to their love and affection. However, as the elderly age more and more, they become more dependent on their caretakers. It is common for caretakers to forget to take care of their own mental and physical health needs. Although it may be fulfilling to give back care to those who nurtured you when you needed it, it is also bad for our health to neglect our well-being in the process. Caretaker burnout is a widespread phenomenon for caretakers and can happen when the caretaker does not prioritize themselves and their own needs.
In taking on the responsibilities of being a caretaker, it is also essential to take care of your well-being. That is why you need to take a short break from time to time to relax and have an energy refill to live a healthy and sustainable life as a caretaker of your family. Respite care could reduce caregiver burnout and stress by providing overnight or day respite care services. Respite care comes with a variety of services that help the elderly with their own specific needs. Continue to read more to understand how respite care works and what you should look to get from this service.
Respite Care Basics
The purpose of respite care is to provide a much-needed temporary break to caregivers. These short breaks from time to time can help caregivers relieve stress and get some time to focus on their own needs. Respite care services’ time duration could range from a few hours a day to months.
This program aims to lift some workload from caregivers so that they can get some free time to do work on themselves. Respite might be sought for a multitude of reasons by a caregiver. Each individual may have a different set of reasons or requirements of respite care that they seek. Caregivers may lead a balanced life due to respite care, and it helps balance between their familial responsibilities and personal responsibilities. Respite care also is beneficial in times of emergencies, such as when a caregiver becomes ill.
Services of Respite Care
Respite care services can range into a wide variety to suit the individual needs of you and your loved one. From companionship to medical assistance or supervision, respite care providers are usually trained, and experience is the basics. Hence, they suit the elder’s needs.
Several mentionable services of respite care are included below:
Companionship and Supervision: It can be very worrying when you have to attend to other commitments while leaving a vulnerable elder alone at home, especially when they are at an age where they are heavily dependent on you. You can take respite care as a solution and provide companionship and supervision to your loved one.
Day to day Works: This is a standard service provided by most professional caregivers, and this service helps your loved one manage their day-to-day activities like bathing, feeding, etc. Some respite care professionals are also equipped with training to prepare basic meals that can suit the healthy diet of an older person. However, if you have a specific diet routine, make sure to communicate with your provider about your particular diet plan.
Basic Medical Care: Medical care assistance is also a standard service of respite care providers. Although they may not be a specialized doctor, most of them are trained with basic medical knowledge to provide essential medical services like wound treatment and medications. However, if your beloved one needs advanced medical services, make sure to clarify with your provider about your requirements.
Household Tasks: Most respite care providers can fulfill small household chores such as buying groceries, laundry, and minor washing.
Other Services: Respite care professionals can also help you transport your loving one to reach their appointments or fulfill some errands.
Types of Respite Care
You have different kinds of options regarding respite care. You have to choose among them depending on your situation and your loved one’s needs. For informal assistance, your friend or family member can take care of your loved one if you need help for a couple of hours or go need to go out for a day. Maybe you lack time, and your aged loved one needs constant assistance. You can take advantage of respite care services.
Here we describe a number of the most popular types of services provided by respite care:
Adult Day Services:
Adult daycare is a system where the caregiver can take a break or work outside of the home. These services have been providing for more than twenty years, and demand is increasing day by day. In contrast, older adults can get a chance to socialize and can get rid of loneliness and isolation. Data from CDC tells us that approximately 4600 adult day health care centers are operating in the USA.
Usually, a senior can stay 6 to 8 hours at an adult daycare, taking lunch and engaging in many activities. Evidence shows that recipients have improved their health and psychology through these programs. Seniors spend more quality time with people and are active in various kinds of activities.
Services from adult day care centers are an excellent opportunity for caretakers who work regularly or take a break from these responsibilities. It also is relatively cheaper compared to in-home respite care while creating more social interaction among the seniors. Some centers provide exclusive services for a specific population, and others serve a wide range. However, if your loved one requires special one-on-one attention, then the in-home approach would be a better option.
Professional In-Home Care:
You can get support from a professional home care provider who can help seniors live in their homes. One can hire them hourly or according to your needs. With these services, caretakers can take breaks without any tension.
Professional home care providers perform duties like cleaning, grooming, and exercising. They help seniors to do their daily tasks. But patients who have health issues, advanced training completed professionals should take care of them. Caregivers of seniors should make sure of that.
Out-Home Respite Care:
If you want to go on a long trip and want your loved one to stay safe and always have assistance, residential respite care can be your solution. Some residential respite organizations offer short-term stays to permanent residents. This is an excellent opportunity for care recipients to explore a new environment, make relationships with other people, and even provide emotional nourishment.
Along with a room, they will provide services according to your personal needs and care, such as meals, laundry, and other activities.
Advantages of Respite Care
Although taking care of your loved ones can be fulfilling, it also comes with stress and challenges. Based on your circumstances, your loved ones’ needs, and other factors, respite care may be something that you absolutely need. This is why we are going to explore some more benefits of respite care.
Caretakers get their much-needed break.
The role of a prime carer is highly demanding and stressful, which can get very overbearing for someone in that position. Most caregivers in this position get too little time to allocate to their own needs and want and often forget to take care of their own mental and physical well-being. This is why respite services can get your workload off a bit and refresh yourself for a healthy lifestyle while also taking the wonderful role of a primary caregiver of your beloved one.
Respite services can be a life-saver in your unexpected absence
Life is full of uncertainties. As a prime carer for a beloved elderly, they are highly dependent on you for their day-to-day life. Your unprecedented absence may cause a lot of worries. Respite care is the perfect solution during you are facing unexpected situations.
Your loved one receives professional caregiving service.
When you decide to get in-home respite care, your beloved one will receive the undivided attention of a professional caregiver. You can also give personalized instructions to your respite caregiver to fulfill the requirements of your beloved one. By having a reliable, authentic provider, you won’t ever have to worry about your loved ones not getting the care that they deserve.
The flexibility of adult care programs
Caregivers can always consider respite care as a flexible option. They can call the service provider and pay them an hourly basis or make a schedule ahead. This lets carers take a break when they require it. This is a simple process, and it ensures win-win situations for both of the party. Caregivers can always consider respite care as a flexible option.
Whether Respite Is Good for You
Sometimes caregivers are unwilling to acknowledge they need respite. Allowing someone to step into their personal space and provide care may be a significant issue. It also might seem like a lot to leave your loved ones’ care to someone else, so before taking a decision, first, find the answers to these questions:
Are you feeling vulnerable physically and emotionally daily?
Are you anxious about the medical emergency of your beloved person?
Are you feeling offended more often while previously that never irritated you?
Is your health deteriorating due to a lack of your care or desire?
Do you have a bad relationship with your family member?
Do you suffer from your communal life?
Do you observe any unusual changes in your consuming habits?
Are you feeling helpless?
Do you grow any self-destructive habits like drinking excessive alcohol, smoking cigarettes, or gambling?
Do you feel constant stress or anxiety?
If you answered yes to any of those questions, you might consider getting support from a respite service to relieve your constant stress.
Yet, it is beyond your control if you feel that you cannot fulfill your beloved one’s necessities. A recess can bring a positive vibe to the primary caregiver’s life. Still, you can consider hiring an in-house professional caregiver if you cannot handle your beloved person’s increasing demand. Although pushing yourself to provide care for a particular person to this extent is a gratifying task, sometimes it is okay to take a break and give yourself some space to revitalize and continue again to provide care for your loved one.
Professionals with health care training or residential facilities can fulfill your beloved one’s necessities.
Costs for Respite Services
Average respite care costs differ depending on the services provided. Length of time, provider’s expertise, and place of service are the main factors. Still, it would be best if you kept in mind that costs vary from country to country and even within the same city or state.
According to Genworth’s Cost of care data [1], adult health care costs a national average of $74 per day and $1603 per month. If you are considering an in-house respite service from a professional care provider, you have to pay an average of $25 per hour. Those who have expertise in medical care charge you not more than $26 hourly in the USA.
We have an entire article on home care for the elderly cost.
Financial Assistance for Respite Care Services
Unless the recipient takes hospice services, your back won’t be covered by Medicare or a private insurance scheme for respite services. Most of the time, you have to pay from your pocket for respite care. However, some beneficiary and their family members can get some standard financial assistance:
Veterans Benefits: Va Aid and Attendance benefit veterans receiving a veterans’ pension can also get assistance paying for respite care. Qualifying veterans can get a yearly offer for respite service for up to 30 days in VA medical centers.
Medicaid: There is no general benefits program by Medicaid to cover up costs for respite services. However, several states offer a waiver to make up for the price. You have to find your state’s Medicaid instructions and website for waiver programs to determine if you are eligible for those programs. There is no general benefits program by Medicaid to cover up costs for respite services.
Medicare: Medicare covers respite care in particular circumstances. Such as, the recipient has to stay in a nursing home or hospital for up to five days at a time; Medicare will cover this conjunction.
Insurance for Long-Term Services: This is a private insurance scheme for the coverage of respite services. Plans can change in terms of the company. So before taking this plan, make sure to check everything in detail.
Resources from Locality: Many not-for-profit and religious organizations provide daycare services for adults, most of the time for a low fee. Search on Google to find out your near senior centers and local religious organizations to find out the availability of respite care.
The Way to Choose a Respite Service Provider
After making up your mind to take support from the respite service provider, you can find it in your local community. You can try these options also:
Family and Friends: If you need just an observant person, your friends and family can take care of your loved one. You should consider health issues and surrounding circumstances for this.
Agency: There are lots of agencies that search for a respite service provider for you. You have to contact them and describe your requirements. Home care agencies connect you and the caregiver with skills according to your necessity and check your background and license on your behalf.
Independent Provider: You may hire a sole person who provides respite services by yourself. By this, you can save agency charges but will have to manage all necessary things. You can hire a sole person who provides respite services by yourself.
Before hiring a caregiver, you should be aware of the following, whether they are an organization or an individual:
Updated License: If your loved one has a health-related issue, ensure that the service provider has related skills and an updated license before making a contract.
References: Ask the caregiver for a testimonial from their previous working families and determine why they are switching that job. If you have any doubt, do not hesitate to contact that references.
Evaluation Process: You should contact and interview several agencies or individuals to find out the best in your budget. If you choose an agency, get familiar with the recruitment and evaluation process of their employees.
Responsibility and Communication: Throughout the interview session, you can see how your working relationship will be with them in the future. You should hire someone responsible, proactive and make clear communication with you and your beloved one.
Questionnaires for Respite Service Providers
Contact with possible providers can start with a conversation over the phone or an email, but meeting with them and arranging an interview before employing them to care for your loving one is always a good idea. Make sure the provider answers these questions during the meeting:
Do you have any experience regarding respite service?
Have you any written care plans?
Do you have any training in medical emergencies?
Why do you think that you are eligible for this job?
What is your backup plan if you need any leave?
What services do you provide within this cost?
Do you have a transport system if required?
These are not a complete list of questionnaires; you can ask according to your need. But these are the fundamental questions that can assist you in choosing the proper care provider for your beloved one.
If you are in need of assistance with respite care services, Linda’s Care Home Care provides quality In-home respite care for elderly loved ones. Take a break from caregiving and rest assured knowing that your loved ones are being cared for by professional caregivers. Call 215-383-5494 or fill out a free In-home care consultation today!