Caregiver stress is a real and consequential response to caring for an older adult. More than 60% of caregivers say caregiving has increased their stress levels. The emotional and physical effects of caregiver stress include depression and anxiety, a higher risk for chronic diseases, a weakened immune system, and obesity. Finding relief can be challenging, but there are options for respite care to give you the relief you deserve and improve your health and well-being. Read on to learn more about how respite care can benefit you and your loved one.
Who is respite care for?
Many families who have a person needing assistance choose to provide the care themselves rather than hiring outside help. Often, family caregivers care for someone with:
- Chronic medical conditions.
- Disabilities.
- Dementia.
- General age-related decline in functioning.
- Terminal illnesses.
- The need for supervision and assistance with activities of daily living.
Providing this type of care can be challenging and exhausting. Caregivers may experience burnout and need a break or simply have to take time to handle other responsibilities. This is where respite care can help. This type of senior care helps both the individual needing assistance and the family caregiver. Essentially, it involves an outside caregiver temporarily performing the assistive tasks that the family caregiver normally provides so they can have a “respite” from their caregiving duties. At the same time, the individual who needs help will receive assistance from a trained professional, ensuring they are safe and cared for.
What does respite care provide?
Since respite care is not a specific set of services by definition, the type of help it provides varies depending on the individual’s needs. Respite care services also depend on the setting. For example, someone can receive respite care services in their home, in adult day care, or even at assisted living or skilled nursing facilities if the length of time and level of care require it. We’ll go over the settings in which someone can receive respite care shortly. First, know that depending on the setting, respite care may provide the following services:
- Medication management.
- Medical management and treatment.
- Assistance with activities of daily living.
- Physical and occupational therapy.
- Transportation.
- Dementia care.
- Meals or meal preparation.
- Socialization.
- Participation in activities.
Insurance coverage for respite services varies according to your plan and needs. For someone on hospice, Medicare may cover some respite services in approved facilities for a limited time. Long-term care insurance policies may also cover respite care. In some states, Medicaid may offer some respite care coverage. Eligible individuals may also be able to use VA benefits.
Types of respite care and settings
Respite care takes many forms, and choosing the best one for you and your loved one depends on the cost, location, and care provided. Here are the primary respite care services.
In-home respite care
Professional caregivers provide in-home respite care. You can arrange care according to your schedule for anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Personal care agencies provide most in-home respite care, but you can use online companies to review resumes and interview and hire caregivers.
States regulate the tasks that in-home caregivers can provide, and most will not permit them to perform any medical tasks or administer medications. Keep that in mind when choosing in-home care. Caregivers can, however, assist with bathing, dressing, shopping, cooking, transportation, and medication reminders. They also provide companionship.
Adult day care centers
Adult day care is a great way to relieve some of your caregiving duties while knowing your loved one is being cared for. These centers offer a place where an older adult can go during the day for assistance, activities, and socialization. Some adult day cares primarily offer activities, meals, health monitoring, and transportation. Others are more medically oriented and provide nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, medication management, and more intensive medical care. Adult day care centers offer daytime care, but some also have evening hours.
Assisted living
Most assisted living communities offer temporary short-term respite rooms for a daily rate. Respite care individuals receive all the services offered to permanent residents. Typically, services include some hands-on personal care assistance, meals, activities, laundry, and housekeeping at a daily rate. Assisted living does not offer extensive personal care support or medical care. This kind of assistance would have to be provided by an outside service or at a nursing home.
Nursing homes
Nursing homes accept individuals for respite care at a daily rate, which can be a substantial cost. The advantage of nursing homes is that they are equipped to accommodate individuals with extensive personal care and medical needs. They provide round-the-clock skilled care for medically and physically compromised individuals. If your loved one has multiple medical problems that require intensive management or needs extensive support with personal care, a nursing home may be a good choice for respite care.
The benefits of respite care
Respite care can have numerous benefits for you and your loved one. Depending on the services and setting, advantages for the person receiving respite care can include the following:
- The older adult may enjoy the opportunity to experience a new environment and socialize with different people. There may be scheduled activities and events that they would not normally be able to attend while living at home.
- For families considering assisted living or a nursing home as a permanent solution, a respite stay can allow your loved one to try it out, get to know the staff, and allay fears.
- Your loved one may benefit from the added attention and care in the more advanced care settings of assisted living or nursing homes.
Benefits for the caregiver include:
- A chance to recharge and return to caregiving refreshed and less stressed.
- Time to attend to personal, family, career, or business responsibilities.
- Peace of mind in knowing your loved one is safe.
- The opportunity to take care of your own self-care or health needs.
How long does respite care last?
Respite care can last for as long as you need and can afford. You might need help for just a few hours one day or a more extensive break to go out of town for a vacation.
When considering respite care, keep in mind how your loved one will adjust to the temporary change. With in-home services, you have the advantage of flexible scheduling for as little time as you need, which might offer the least disruption to your loved one’s routine. If your loved one can tolerate time away from you well, in assisted living or nursing home care, you may extend the length of time based on what you need.
Respite care for peace of mind
It can be difficult for a caregiver to turn over the responsibility for a loved one’s care to someone else. However, you may find that you and your loved one will benefit despite any challenges in making that decision. The break provided by respite care can help family members care for themselves and return to their responsibilities refreshed, which can ensure that their loved one receives the best care possible.
