What Is Respite Care?
Respite care generally offers a short-term solution care for seniors, providing a temporary reprieve for family caregivers in need of some time off, as well as limited day-to-day care and social stimulation for the senior. There are several options for respite care providers which are detailed below.
Respite care can be a valuable tool for family caregivers to avoid burnout, meet other obligations and to simply take some time for themselves and their families while still ensuring their elderly or disabled loved ones get the care they need. Respite care may take place in a senior community or in-home.
What Are The Types Of Respite Care?
There are several types of respite care and choosing the right one for you or your loved one depends greatly upon specific needs and preferences. Respite care can also vary in duration, from part of the day to several weeks at a time. Services may include traditional home-based care, as well as adult day centers, skilled nursing, home health, and short-term residential care.
Respite Care options may include:
• Adult Day Centers – These programs provide short-term care and companionship for elderly or disabled persons who need assistance or supervision during the day. They can offer relief to family members or other caregivers, offering them flexibility to work, handle personal business, or just relax.
• Informal and Volunteer Respite Care – This type of care may involve friends, neighbors, or volunteers from local organizations.
• Care Facilities – Some residential programs, including nursing homes, assisted living and memory care communities, offer temporary care for varying lengths of time. The type of respite care offered by particular facilities can vary, including the length of stay, resources available, cost, and style of care.
• In-home Care – The types of in-home care services can vary depending on the needs of the senior, and may include companion services, housekeeping services, personal care, as well as skilled medical care. Home care agencies and independent care providers are usually able to provide assistance with in-home respite care.
Respite care can be very beneficial, not only for the senior or disabled adult, but also for their family caregivers. Caring for a loved one is a demanding task, and it’s important for caregivers to tend to their own mental and physical well-being, as well as work, family and other demands, so that they can provide the best possible care to their loved ones.
To learn more about Respite Care options in your area and find the right match for your needs and preferences, start your search today.
[1] http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004396.pub3/full
[2] http://www.alz.org/care/alzheimers-dementia-caregiver-respite.asp