What is Respite Care?
October 26 2021
Who Needs Respite Care and the Benefits of Respite Care Explained
Caring for a sick or disabled loved one can be a tough job, especially when it’s a 24-hour one. It is important for family caregivers to have a break from time to time to look after their own needs. That is where respite care comes in.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is the name of care that is provided on a short-term basis for family caregivers. Respite care is usually for a few hours when needed, or can be longer. This allows a caregiver to run errands or go to their own medical appointments. It is also an important part of caring for one’s own mental health and can be used to go spend time with friends or other family, or even to just have some time to yourself to practice some self-care. As a caregiver, it is important that you care for your own needs because if you don’t first take care of yourself, you can’t care for others!
Who Needs Respite Care?
Respite care is for family caregivers who care for their loved one around the clock. This care allows the family caregiver to shop, go to appointments, exercise or even go on vacation. You might use respite care if you take care of someone who:
- Has cancer
- Has a brain injury
- Suffers from dementia
- Is recovering from a stroke
- Has an illness or disability that requires 24/7 care
- Is in hospice
Who Provides Respite Care?
Respite care is often provided through your loved one’s medical, hospice or palliative care company. Simply call them to schedule your respite care and these trained providers can sit with and help your disabled or ill loved one while you are out. If your loved one receives care from these medical professionals at home, respite care is also received in their own home. They are often able to assist with:
- Bathing and other daily hygiene tasks
- Dressing
- Meal preparation and meal time
- Medications
- Exercise regimens
- Toileting
- Hobbies
- And much more!
Respite care can also be provided at day centers, respite care facilities, or assisted living facilities with short-term respite care programs.
What are the Costs of Respite Care?
The cost depends on the type of agency that provides the service and how long you need it for. Some insurance companies may be able to help with the cost of respite care. It is recommended that you check your policy to find out what out-of-pocket costs you might have for respite care.
Do I Really Need a Break?
Yes! We understand that you might feel guilty for taking a break from caring for your loved one. We also understand that when you are so focused on caring for someone else that it can feel like you have no time to care for yourself. It’s important to take breaks or you can get mentally, emotionally and physically drained. Family caregivers use respite care for a variety of reasons, but can include:
- Vacations
- Mental health breaks
- Medical appointments, surgeries or procedures
- Running errands
- Engage with a support network
- To provide a social outlet for your loved one
- To keep your loved one engaged
When you are well rested and less stressed, you’ll be able to put more energy and focus into caring for your loved one.
What are the Benefits of Respite Care for My Loved One?
There are many benefits of respite care for your ill or disabled loved one beyond ensuring their health and safety. Respite care offers social interaction for your loved one, giving them someone new to engage with. This is very helpful, particularly for seniors who may otherwise experience social isolation. Often, these trained professionals are seen as friends by both caregiver and patient. It can even introduce your loved one to a new hobby or activity that they might find enjoyable or help them reclaim a hobby they have loved.
Conclusion
You will be able to rest easy knowing that your loved one is in good hands while you are enjoying some much needed time for yourself. Respite care allows family caregivers to rest, relax or take time to do the things they need for their own personal care.
All American Care offers exceptional care in the comfort of your own home! Our trained and caring experts provide care for a variety of illnesses, injuries and disabilities. Whether your loved one is aging in place, in hospice care or just needs 24/7 care for a disability, we offer respite care to all family caregivers. Contact us today to experience the All American difference or to learn more about our respite care services.
