Everyone deserves a break, especially family caregivers. Respite care is the name given to the process in which family caregivers can seek services that will monitor the loved ones they care for while the caregiver is given a break for a defined period of time.
I utilized respite care for my mother near the end of her life. The afternoon I had off allowed me to take a nature walk and make a grocery store run. My mother was monitored by a volunteer with a local care group and there was no charge for the service. If my mother had lived longer, I would have used respite care on a more regular basis, likely weekly.
Let's answer some of the frequently asked questions about respite care.
What does it mean when someone is in respite care? When a care recipient is enrolled in respite care, it means their primary caregiver is seeking to take a temporary break from caregiving duties, and the care recipient will receive care from either another caregiver at home or in a designated respite care facility.
What is an example of respite care? While respite care can come in many forms, one typical example is when a personal care aide or home health nurse provides in-home care for a person while their designated primary caregiver takes a break from caregiver duties. The time period could be for as short as an afternoon, allowing the caregiver to tend to personal errands, or for a longer period of time, such as a weekend or week.
Another example of respite care that is ideal for longer term and more complex medical needs is for a care recipient to enter institutional care, which could be adult day care, a skilled nursing facility, or a designated area of a hospital for a specified period of time.
What are the disadvantages of respite care? The main disadvantage of respite care occurs when caregivers don't utilize respite care services often enough, which can result in caregiver burnout and poorer care outcomes for the care recipient.
Another potential disadvantage of respite care is that it can be challenging to find appropriate respite care services for those with dementia. People with dementia tend to thrive on routine and may only be comfortable around their primary caregiver. Strangers in the home may cause distress for someone with dementia and it may take awhile for someone with dementia to bounce back to their baseline after their primary caregiver returns from their respite. Still, it's vitally important that dementia caregivers take breaks and utilize respite care services.
How can respite care help someone? Respite care not only can help the caregiver, but the care recipient. Caregivers are prone to burnout if they don't take regular breaks to recharge. This can impact the care that the care recipient receives.
Caregivers who take respite care are able to relax and rebuild their energy reserves. They are also able to maintain their own identity, which can get lost in long-term caregiving situations. Respite care allows caregivers to engage in their hobbies, visit friends and loved ones, and bask in quiet time.
Care recipients can feel gratitude and relief that their caregiver is able to take a break from caregiving duties. For some, it can provide a welcome change of pace and reduce the sense of isolation.
What is the primary purpose of respite care? The primary purpose of respite care is to give family caregivers a break from caregiving duties. This break can accommodate a variety of time ranges, from an afternoon to a week or longer, depending upon the needs of the caregiver.
What are the benefits of respite? Caregiving is physically, mentally, and emotionally demanding. Depending upon the care recipient's medical needs, caregiving can be a 24/7 job. The benefit of respite care services is that it allows caregivers to take a much-needed break from caregiver duties to relax and recharge.
How important is respite care for caregivers? It is vital that caregivers take regular breaks from caregiving duties, for the sake of their health and the well-being of their care recipients. By utilizing respite care services, caregivers can engage in self-care, address their own healthcare needs, connect with others socially, and maintain their own identity.
Who pays for respite care? There are programs at the community, state, and federal levels that can provide grants and other forms of financial aid for respite care services. Caregivers are encouraged to ask their doctor or community health center about respite care services in their area.
In some situations, families may choose to hire private aides out of pocket for respite care services. But caregivers are encouraged to seek out existing programs that may cover the cost of respite care first, because you may be surprised at the options that are available.
What is respite care for a child? In certain situations, if a child has a medical condition that requires continuous care, respite care services may be available for family caregivers. Services may be provided in the home or in a facility.
How do I qualify for respite care? There are many types of respite care that caregivers may qualify for, depending upon their specific needs. For example, caregivers of veterans have access to respite care programs through the Veterans Administration.
There are respite care programs for those caring for children and for those caring for people with dementia. Caregivers are encouraged to seek a respite care program that best addresses the unique needs of their family.
How many hours of respite care are you allowed? How many hours of respite care a caregiver is allowed will vary by the agency in which they are utilizing respite care services. This may be determined at the local, state, or federal level, depending upon which respite care service the caregiver is using.
What is the cost of respite care per week? The cost of respite care depends upon many factors. If a caregiver is using a government-funded service, the cost of respite care may be fully covered. In other situations, a caregiver may pay out of pocket for private aides to provide respite care.
What respite care is near me? Caregivers are encouraged to utilize online resources to determine the respite care services near them.
What is respite care for elderly? Respite care for the elderly is designed to address the unique needs of this population. Elderly care respite may be provided in the home for someone with dementia, who thrives with routine and familiar surroundings. An elderly person who is more medically fragile or who has more medically complex needs may be more suitable for respite care provided in an inpatient medical facility.
Need more help? Check out the Respite Care Share resources page.