Family caregivers are the backbone of this country’s long-term care system, but 60 percent of them also work, either part-time or full-time, and 30 percent have a child or grandchild living with them. While they care for their loved ones with the best of intentions, it is not surprising that caregiver burnout is common. Between 40 and 70 percent of caregivers report clinical symptoms of depression, but even caregivers who aren’t depressed need a break sometimes. That’s where respite care comes in.
Respite care is short-term care for an individual client that gives their primary caregiver a break from tending to their loved one’s needs. We’ll explain more about how respite care works and how it can help you and your loved one.
Understanding Respite Care
Respite care offers short-term relief to family caregivers. The period of respite care can vary, you may need a few hours, but you might need a weekend or longer. Respite care can be used when you need a break for an extended period or when your loved one needs to be attended to in a specialized setting. According to the Harvard Medical School Family Health Guide, as a caregiver, you should take breaks, rather than expecting or trying to be on-call 24 hours a day. People who are emotionally and physically exhausted or guilt-ridden cannot effectively provide care.
Sometimes, people enlist other family members or friends to shoulder some of the responsibility of caregiving so that they can take a break. In other cases, family caregivers partner with a professional healthcare provider to provide in-home respite care. If you are caring for your loved one, you can seek respite care so that you can run errands, go to appointments, tend to other concerns or work. Taking some time away allows you the chance to rest, renew and refresh so that you can come back and care more effectively.
When Is It Time for Respite Care?
The best time to schedule respite care is before you face burnout. Respite care is a great option for caregivers who feel pushed to their limit, but it’s also perfect for someone who just needs a break.
Caring for someone you love is rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming. A 2023 survey by the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) noted that 50% of family caregivers polled reported an increase in emotional stress and anxiety and 37% observed a decline in their physical health as a result of caregiving.
Another study published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) uncovered the role that respite care plays in increasing caregiver resilience and “ultimately the well-being of the care of the recipient.” Another study published by the Journal of Economics and Aging reported that caregivers who had access to respite care saw a 13% reduction in depressive symptoms and a 15% increase in life satisfaction.
Hiring a professional caregiver benefits your mental health and the needs of your loved one. Signs of approaching burnout include:
-
You are not getting enough sleep. Your body needs seven to eight hours of sleep each night to renew and repair itself. If you can’t sleep because you are too busy or feeling anxious, you won’t get enough sleep to recharge, and sleep deprivation will kick in, affecting your ability to fight illness, your mental health and your energy.
-
You have a short fuse. If you find that you are short-tempered and having trouble regulating your emotions, you may be under too much stress. Don’t wait until you are lashing out at loved ones who don’t deserve it to seek help.
-
You’re not feeling well. When you’re taking care of others, it’s easy to neglect your own care. This can lead to frequent illness, an unhealthy diet, substance abuse and a lack of exercise, causing your health to begin to deteriorate. Seek help before you reach this point.
-
Negative emotions are more common than positive ones. Your emotional health can suffer when you’re overwhelmed, leading to negative feelings like depression, anxiety and low self-esteem. If you are not feeling like yourself, it’s time to take a break.
-
Your personal relationships are beginning to suffer. It is important for caregivers to have a strong support system in place. When you neglect your personal relationships, you may begin to feel isolated and disconnected. Getting a few hours of respite care can give you time to catch up with friends and nurture your relationships.
-
You don’t have time to have fun and enjoy life. Just because you are caring for a loved one doesn’t mean the rest of your life should come to an end. Respite care can help you make time for things you enjoy, whether that means going to the spa, resting and reading, getting some exercise, hanging out with friends or just catching up on your favorite TV shows.
Types of Respite Care
There are several types of respite care, each with its own unique benefits for caregivers and patients alike. Respite care can take multiple forms and it’s valuable to know what options are available to get the care your loved one needs and the break that you deserve. From help with activities of daily living (ADLs) to general companionship, respite care looks different for each situation, but is always rooted in offering the best care for your loved one’s needs.
In-Home Care
In-home respite care can include various duties, such as house cleaning, meal preparation, grooming and even skilled nursing. Assistance with feeding, bathing and mobility are just a few of the facets of what an in-home respite care professional can offer in long-term or short-term scenarios.
Companion Care
A person’s social needs are just as important as their physical needs. That’s why companion care is another respite care offering, giving clients a friendly face to chat with regularly and giving family caregivers some much-needed time to themselves while ensuring their loved one is in trustworthy hands.
Companion care can include services like help with shopping and errands, transportation to doctor appointments and travel companionship. In-home companionship often includes help with connecting a client with their family and friends via technology, engaging in activities like crafting or games, planning outings and more.
Respite Care For Children
While people often think respite care is only for older adults, respite care for children is also available to give parents and caregivers much-needed relief. For kids who are ill, have special needs or have recently been hospitalized, respite care for children allows their primary caregivers to rest and recharge, preventing or reducing symptoms of burnout. A qualified respite care professional can provide a child with much-needed social interaction and skill development at home while the child’s parent takes a break.
There are several types of respite care for children, including in-home care, center-based care and family respite.
-
With in-home care, a caregiver visits your home to spend time with your child and tend to their needs.
-
Center-based care involves a child spending time at a specialized care center, often around other children in a supportive environment. While your child is under the supervision of a professional caregiver, they receive enrichment and care, as well as the opportunity to interact with other children, engage in activities and build social skills.
-
Family respite care is another type of care in which clients partner with another family to share childcare responsibilities. It bridges the gap between in-home care and center-based care, giving children more opportunities for social interaction while receiving care, but in a smaller, home-based setting with trusted caregivers and extended family.
No matter your needs or preferences, BrightStar Care® can work with you to determine which available services are best may be best for offers all types of respite care for children and can tailor services to your family’s needs.
Benefits for Caregivers
The benefits of respite care for caregivers are multi-faceted. Far too often caregivers focus only on those they are caring for, ignoring their own needs. Taking advantage of the opportunity that respite care provides can make a big difference for the whole family.
Ongoing caregiving can be physically, mentally and emotionally taxing. Leveraging respite care services can reduce stress and anxiety and improve physical and mental health. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the benefits of respite care for caregivers include reduced feelings of anger and depression, decreased emotional reactivity, and better stress management. In short, taking a break and time for yourself is a valuable investment.
Benefits for Care Receivers
Caregivers aren’t the only ones who can benefit from respite care. Those receiving care can benefit greatly, as well. Whether your loved one is receiving one-on-one in-home respite care or traveling to a care center, having a change of scenery or a new face added to their routine can be refreshing.
Respite care can often result in increased confidence and independence for the care receiver as they learn to navigate new situations. Connecting with a different caregiver can be enriching in many ways, especially for clients who may not have many opportunities to be social.
Respite care can also reduce stress and anxiety for the care receiver and improve relationships with their regular caregiver. Taking a “breather” from each other is often a great way to appreciate each other more - for both the caregiver and care receiver. Stress reduction for both parties often leads to overall improved mood and health.
Costs of Respite Care
Respite care costs vary depending on your specific needs, as well as your geographic location. The cost of inflation also plays a role in rising rates.
There are many ways to pay for in-home respite care including programs through insurance to private pay. BrightStar Care can help you determine the best payment options. Some providers charge hourly for care, while other arrangements can be worked out by the day or week. Home-based respite care can be very affordable, and providers will often work with you to help you find the best solution for your loved one. Many insurance plans do not cover respite care, but some long-term care plans may help with the costs. Look for other sources of assistance, including state Medicaid, and, if your loved one served in the military, the Department of Veterans Affairs.
FAQ
What is the primary purpose of respite care?
The primary purpose of respite care is to ensure that your loved one receives the level of care they need, while giving their regular caregiver a break. While rewarding, taking care of a loved one can be exhausting. It’s often in the best interest of both the caregiver and the care receiver to lean on respite care to give everyone the necessary support.
Who benefits from respite care?
While respite care is meant to provide the caregiver with temporary relief from responsibilities, it actually benefits the entire family. Sometimes, those needing care may feel like a burden on their family members, and interacting with new people can help alleviate these feelings. Having a change in routine can be good for a person receiving care, and a little bit of space in the relationship between caregiver and recipient can help improve their relationship. Decreased tension and a happier caregiver make for a more relaxed home life, which benefits everyone.
What does it mean when someone is in respite care?
When someone is in respite care, the only difference from their regular care program is the caregiver. Respite care delivers the same standard and program of care a person is used to receiving, but offers temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers. Respite care can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks, depending on the situation.
How many hours of respite care are you allowed?
Limits are only set on respite care when you are receiving assistance with the cost. If you are paying privately, you can pay for as much respite care as you like. If you have long-term care insurance, your policy may cover some of your in-home care costs, so we recommend checking with your insurance provider to review your coverage.
Who pays for respite care?
Typically, respite care is an out-of-pocket expense. In some cases, Medicare will help cover it, and so will some long-term care insurance policies. Resources are available, through the Department of Veterans Affairs, state Medicaid, and other federal, state and privately funded organizations. If you are having trouble navigating the various resources, BrightStar Care is happy to help.
Will respite care fit with my schedule?
Respite care can be scheduled in a way that works for you and your loved one. While scheduling policies vary between agencies, most respite care providers will work with you to help you schedule care that will meet your needs and won’t disrupt your loved one’s routine.
Is respite care customized to fit the needs of the person receiving care?
Every care recipient is different, with a different set of needs, preferences, and limitations. That is why high-quality care providers will work with you, personalizing your loved one’s care services to meet your family’s needs. Some older people require specialized care, and this should be addressed when you are discussing arrangements with the agency. Home caregivers are trained in various types of care, and your home healthcare provider can help you find a caregiver who is exactly the right fit.
How do I know my loved one will receive quality care?
Partner with a reputable care provider, and you can be sure that your loved one is in good hands. A high-quality agency will perform background checks and do everything possible to keep your loved one safe. What’s more, leaving your loved one in the hands of professional caregivers means he or she will receive not only care, but also compassion and respect. BrightStar Care has achieved and maintains Joint Commission accreditation, holding to the quality standards of the healthcare organization that also accredits the nation’s top hospitals and major healthcare systems.
What is the difference between respite care and home care?
Respite care can take place in a client’s home, but doesn’t always have to. Respite care can be offered within a client’s home, in a care center, in a hospital or another residential setting. In some cases, respite caregivers come to the client’s home. In other scenarios, the client travels to a different location, such as an adult daycare facility.
Who is respite care best suited for?
Respite care is best suited for anyone who has an ongoing primary caregiver that needs a break. The important but demanding role of a caregiver is often a 24-hour job without sufficient breaks. Respite care is a valuable solution for anyone providing care for a loved one on an ongoing basis as it provides a much-needed break for both the caregiver and care receiver.
Finding the Very Best Respite Care
At BrightStar Care®, we are committed to providing our clients with the very best care and supporting their families as well. When you need help meeting the physical, mental and emotional needs of an older relative, trust BrightStar Care for excellence in home health care. We know that facing the challenges of aging can be difficult, so we work hard to deliver the right care for your loved one and to be a partner you can turn to for support.
Find a BrightStar Care® Location Near You
Looking for in-home care services or assisted living for your loved one or a reliable medical staffing partner for your organization? Our experienced local care team members are ready to help. Find a location near you, contact us online, or call 866.618.7827 to speak with a local care expert and learn more about how BrightStar Care offers A Higher Standard®.
Respite Care Resources
https://www.helpguide.org/articles/caregiving/respite-care.htm
https://www.fremantletrust.org/help-and-advice/the-benefits-of-respite-care-for-family-caregivers