Being a caregiver for a loved one can prove to bring physical, emotional, and financial tolls on the caregiver. Caregivers provide much needed care for loved ones and often extend themselves to great lengths to be able to provide care for aging parents, family members or dear friends who are disabled. Respite care is a much needed, temporary care or service to relieve caregivers. Relief may be provided for a variety of reasons, such as allowing the caregiver to work, run errands, have time for self-care (an important component of being able to also care for others), travel, or have time to attend other needed appointments or tasks while their loved one is being cared for by someone who is reliable.
Types of Respite Care
Respite care may look different in order to meet the specific needs of the individual. There are 4 common types of respite care provided for seniors.
- Adult Care provides a “daycare” program to assist during the day when you may be working or attending appointments/ running errands.
- Extended family/ friends may be able to step in from time- to- time to take over when you need help in order to attend to your own needs.
- Home Health services are able to come to the individual’s home and provide health assistance, monitor vital signs, administer medicine and help with daily routines and activities.
- Senior living communities offer respite care on a short-term basis (often from 7-30 days). There are different levels of care and there is surely one that could provide activities, meals, community, and other services.
Benefits of Respite Care
Respite care provides benefits for more than just the caregiver. Friends, family members, and the loved one in need of care are all recipients of the benefits. Caregivers are able to benefit from:
- Time to rest and recharge. Caregivers need to make self-care a priority! Providing care for anyone, including someone that you love, takes a lot out of you. It is important to maintain your own health and relationships so that you are able to provide quality care for your loved one.
- The ease of knowing that their loved one is cared for in your absence. Leaving a loved one in someone else’s care is often difficult to release. Trust that quality care will be provided while you are away.
- Social interaction and engagement is important for you as a caregiver. Be intentional about spending time with family members and friends so that you stay connected and engaged in other relationships.
- A trial period for senior living communities if you are needing to step away from being the priority caregiver but unsure of how the transition/ location would be a good match for your loved one.