Respite is defined as a temporary delay or an interval of rest or relief by the Merriam Webster Dictionary. Respite care gives caregivers a temporary break from the arduous task of taking care of someone. Respite care is so significant, that it has been built in to the Medicare Hospice Benefit and many other senior programs within certain communities. If you need a well-deserved break, here are 4 types of respite care services that you may want to consider:
1. Adult Day Care
Well-suited for those individuals who are mobile and continue to enjoy social interaction, adult day care services provide caregivers an opportunity to get relief during the day either while they are at work, out running errands, attending doctor appointments or simply spending the day with a friend.
Adult day care generally provides games and activities to foster social interaction, mild exercise to maintain senior fitness and healthy meals, as well as assisting with feeding, toileting and medication administration (in some cases). Adult day care is not, however, suitable for patients who are immobile, bedridden or very ill.
2. In-Home Respite
In-home respite care services are provided by a hired caregiver or through a home health agency. Although hiring a caregiver can be expensive, the money spent may be well worth it, considering that 24-hour caregiving can lead to caregiver burnout. Home health agencies generally offer their services on a short-term basis, with respite care provided by a certified nursing assistant (CNA) under the supervision of a registered nurse.
While each agency differs in the services they offer, CNAs usually assist with bathing and toileting, do chores around the house and run errands that concern the welfare of the patient, such as picking up a prescription or taking the patient out for some fun and fresh air. When 24-hour care is needed due to a severe illness or disability, Medicare or other insurance companies may cover all or some of the cost, at least on a temporary basis.
3. Residential Respite
Skilled nursing facilities, nursing homes and residential care facilities provide emergency and planned residential care to patients in need. Residential care facilities allow patients to live on the premises on a temporary or long-term basis. They are usually large, well-kept homes which have been converted for the purpose of residential care. All three facilities provide 24-hour nursing care under the supervision of a physician. Check with Medicare or other insurance programs to find out if your patient qualifies for for residential respite.
4. Respite Alternatives
In some instances, your patient may not qualify for respite benefits at all. Don’t let this stop you from taking a break. Enlist the help of family members or friends a few times a week so you can just get away. Join a caregiver support group either online or in your local area. There are literally hundreds of free websites that provide caregiver support services. Thinking you can do it alone is the worst mistake you will ever make as a caregiver; we all need a little help from our friends!
The bottom line for caregivers - most of the time, you won’t get help unless you ask for it. Reach out, and you will find that most people are just waiting to lend a hand.
Tags: assisted living, caregiving, Healthcare, seniors
