Caring for an elderly, sick, or disabled family member is a demanding job that no one can do alone. Finding respite care services can be a lifeline. What is respite care for elderly?
What exactly is respite care?
Respite care allows a primary caregiver to take a much-needed break from the demands of caring for a sick, elderly, or disabled family member. Respite care can be provided in the comfort of your own home, at day-care centers, or in residential or nursing facilities that provide overnight stays. Whether for a few hours a week or for an extended vacation, seeking respite care can help ease the burden of family caregiving while also relieving stress, restoring energy, and promoting balance in your life. It can also keep you from becoming tired, isolated, or even burned out. Respite care can also benefit the person being cared for by providing variety, stimulation, and a welcome change of routine.
Seeking support and maintaining your own health is critical to managing your role as a caregiver, so taking time for yourself is not selfish. If you’re exhausted by the daily grind of caregiving, your patience and compassion will wear thin, you’ll struggle to connect with the person you’re caring for, and you’ll both likely feel unfulfilled. However, after taking a break to recharge your batteries, you will feel more energized, focused, and reinvigorated about your role as a caregiver. You may even learn new ways to deal with common problems you face as a caregiver, making the caregiving journey more enjoyable and rewarding for both you and the loved one in your care. Oasis Hospice is best for respite care services.
Different types of respite services
Respite care can take many forms, but it all boils down to two basic concepts: sharing the burden of caregiving and receiving support for yourself. Respite could include enlisting friends and family to watch your loved one while you visit others, go to the gym, or handle chores, for example. Alternatively, respite care can imply locating volunteers or paid caregivers to provide in-home services for your loved one on an as-needed or regular basis. Finally, respite care can entail using out-of-home programs such as adult day care centers, day camps, or nursing homes to give you a break while providing your loved one with the ongoing care they require.
Respite care in the home
Volunteer or paid assistance can provide in-home services on an as-needed or regular basis. Services can range from a few hours to several days and can be arranged either directly or through an agency. This popular respite option allows your loved one to remain in their own home while receiving care, which can be invaluable for you as the primary caregiver.
Volunteers from the faith-based, community, and other non-profit organizations may be available. Short-term in-home care can be provided by trained staff from home-care agencies. Personal care providers can help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and feeding.
Homemaker services assist with meal preparation, grocery shopping, and housekeeping. Your loved one’s medical needs can be met by skilled health care, which requires more specialized training and expertise.
Respite care in the community
Depending on where you live, you can find a variety of private and non-profit respite programs for children, adults, and seniors. These are some examples:
- Adult daycare centers are intended for elderly people who are unable to manage independently or who are isolated and lonely. Through social and health services, planned activities promote well-being. Adult daycare centers are open during the day, Monday through Friday, and provide a safe, supportive, and cheerful environment. Meals and afternoon snacks, including those that cater to special diets, are usually included.
- Residential programs provide short-term care for varying lengths of time. Emergency and planned overnight services are provided by group homes, hospitals, nursing homes, and other specialized facilities, providing caregivers with 24-hour relief. While most medical insurance policies in the United States do not cover overnight respite, long-term care policies and veterans’ programs may cover the cost of care. Some areas offer caregiver retreats and respite camps that combine respite with education and peer support.
Using family members to provide respite care
Family and friends may be able to assist you while you run an errand, rest, or even go on vacation. However, just as the burden of caregiving is frequently too much for one person to bear, it can also be a difficult process for families to share. Even the healthiest families can experience severe stress as a result of ongoing care, and the division of labor is frequently lopsided. The following strategies can be used to increase support and participation:
- Open and regular communication is essential. Maintain communication with your family about your loved one’s needs and condition. Family members who are not involved in the day-to-day caregiving experience may be unaware of the demands and stresses involved.
- Encourage family members to consider what they can do honestly and reasonably. Changing roles and resource levels can have an impact on family involvement. Accept different points of view, accept limitations, and be willing to try new strategies. Share your list of requirements and accept all offers of assistance.
- Recognize your own emotions and talk about disproportionate tasks. When you need more help, harboring resentment can harm your health and even lead to burnout. Inquire directly with family members for concrete help and time commitments. Create an online calendar to organize relief and confirm schedules.
- Utilize technology to bridge gaps. To hold family meetings at times that are convenient for everyone, use free video conferencing services. Create a web-based community to share information and discuss options.
- Take part in support groups. Learning how other families cope can open up new possibilities and methods of coping for you. Relationships with other dependable and trustworthy caregivers can also provide an opportunity to trade respite services. When siblings are unable or unwilling to share the burden, peer support can be extremely beneficial.
Overcoming Respite Care Obstacles
While it may appear to friends, family, and even yourself that you need a break from the physical and emotional demands of caregiving, actually seeking help is not always an easy step. When you’re the primary, long-term caregiver for a close family member, it can be difficult to relinquish responsibility for their care.
Perhaps you believe that explaining your daily caregiving routine to another person is too difficult, or that taking time off will only cause more problems when you return; it’s easier to just tough it out and do everything yourself. Perhaps you believe it is wrong to ever grow tired of caring for someone you love, especially if you are a parent caring for a child. Perhaps you’re simply concerned that the person taking over will not provide adequate care for your loved one. Or, on the other hand, perhaps you’re afraid that a respite caregiver will do a better job and you’ll feel inadequate or unneeded.
All of these are common reasons for refusing respite care. It’s important to remember, though, that respite care is an essential part of the caregiving process, not just for you, but also for the person you’re caring for and the rest of your family. Read more about respite care facilities near me. Contact Oasis Hospice for respite care for elderly. For more; information you can contact us at 708-564-4838.
