The Demands of Caregiving
As the aging population grows, more and more family members of older people find themselves facing the “unexpected career of caregiver.” In fact, 54 million people in the United States are in the position of caring for a loved one who is aging or disabled, with all the multifaceted, complicated, and stressful life situations that entails. People take on this task because they care, and the work of caring for a loved one can be rewarding, both emotionally and spiritually, but it can also cause physical, emotional, and financial stress that leads to fatigue or even burnout. That is why self-care is so important for caregivers, whose role is demanding to the point of being all-consuming. Recent research indicates that respite care can counteract the depletion of resources experienced by caregivers, helping them to remain resilient so that they can function more effectively, not just for their loved ones, but for themselves.
Care for the Caregiver
The concept of respite care is simple: it is a temporary break in which someone else takes over the duties of caregiver. Respite care can be provided for whatever length of time is needed, whether it’s a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks. Some caregivers schedule respite care for a few hours each week, to give them time to attend to other responsibilities. Longer stretches of respite care may be necessary if a caregiver needs to go out of town, and that can be provided at the care receiver’s home or in a senior living community. In fact, respite care is a broad term; it can be provided by another family member, a homecare provider, an adult daycare center, or a long-term care facility. It is wise to arrange respite care before an emergency makes it necessary, using respite services for non-emergency care in order to be prepared if a need arises suddenly. No matter how dedicated the family caregiver, respite care is important for giving the caregiver a break from which he or she can come back refreshed and renewed. Some caregivers use respite services so that they can work outside the home and bring in an income while caring for a loved one.
The Cost of Respite Care Services
Respite care is not usually covered by insurance, but if a person is receiving hospice care, Medicare can pay for up to five days of care in a skilled nursing facility. While medical insurance doesn’t cover this service, long-term care and VA benefits often cover respite care services for up to 30 days each year. The cost of respite care varies, depending on factors like the geographic area, who is providing the care, and the number of hours or days that care is needed.
What Is Gained From Taking a Break
Respite care can be beneficial, not only to caregivers, but also to the people for whom they care. Those receiving care can benefit from a change in routine, and caregivers can use the time for social interaction, errands, or just resting, knowing that their loved one is in good hands. Let’s look at some of the benefits of respite care.
- Rest is important for a caregiver’s overall functioning. Caregivers often experience guilt over the idea of stepping away from their responsibilities for a little while. However, breaks are necessary, to alleviate stress, relieve fatigue, and help caregivers return refreshed and renewed. Leaving their loved one with someone equipped to handle his or her needs can help caregivers relax and more comfortably take a break from what is, essentially a 24/7 job.
- Having skilled care is beneficial to everyone involved. Home care providers can offer respite care that includes options like companion services, personal care or home health aide services, homemaker or maid services, or skilled nursing services. This care can be customized to meet the care receiver’s needs, so that the caregiver can be confident in the quality of care.
- Connection is crucial, and respite allows time for caregivers to connect with others. Social engagement is an important part of life, but caregiving can take up all of your time, making it difficult to find time for interacting with others. Respite care gives caregivers the opportunity to nurture other important relationships in their lives.
- Seniors considering a senior living community can test drive it during respite care. Trying a community’s respite care program can give you an inside look at the community. This can be helpful when you are evaluating whether or not it is a good fit, and you can gain useful information by trying more than one community.
- Caregivers often neglect their own care. When you are prioritizing another person’s health and well-being over your own, self-care can fall by the wayside. About 20 percent of caregivers experience a decline in health, but failing to maintain your health can make you less able to care for someone else. What’s more, by stepping away from your caregiving responsibilities temporarily, you can do some things you enjoy, and this will help you maintain your sense of self.
- Respite care can give you the space for some perspective. In any relationship, breaks are important. No matter how deep your love for someone may be, and no matter how fulfilled you feel caring for that person, it is good for both of you to have some time apart periodically. When you engage respite care, you can gain perspective and see solutions to frustrations that have been nagging you and situations that have seemed impossibly challenging. Time apart can also help ease any tension between you and your loved one, so that things will seem smoother and more comfortable when you return.
The Best Respite Care for Your Situation
There is no need to rush into respite care, so take your time and do some research so that you can find the best fit. Some people find that creating an oasis within the home where they can go and take short breaks is sufficient. Others are able to enlist the help of a trusted family member or friend to help out when they need a break. Still others find that temporary placement in a senior living community is the right solution for their family, and others make use of an adult day program, where their care receivers can find structure and interact with others during the day. If none of these seems like the right fit for you, consider a professional in-home caregiver, who can help with a variety of needs, including dressing, bathing, meals, exercise, toileting, medication, and more.
The Value of Homecare from a Reputable Agency
If a home caregiver seems like the best form of respite care for your loved one, partner with an agency that has a reputation for high standards and excellence in caregiving. At BrightStar Care of North Houston/The Woodlands, we know that caring for an aging loved one can be challenging. That’s why we work hard to deliver the right care for your relative and to be a partner you can turn to for support. Because we believe that caring is more than just a job, our nurses, therapists, CNAs, and caregivers offer the most professional compassionate care available. In the comforting, familiar surroundings of home, we offer a full range of care services to meet your loved one’s needs and help you when you need it most. Contact us or call 281-367-7827 to learn more about our services and let us know what we can do for you.