Respite Care - Taking Care of Yourself

 Respite Care is short-term, temporary home care that provides assistance and relief for primary caregivers. Caregiver advocacy groups, like the ALS Association and The Arc of the US, often keep lists of respite care providers.

Informal respite care can also be found through friends, neighbors, church volunteers, or even other family members. However, these options are not as regulated or insured as paid respite care services.

Taking Care of Yourself

When you spend all of your time caring for a loved one, it’s easy to forget about yourself and your own health needs. But taking care of yourself is an important part of being a caregiver, and respite care can help.

Respite care provides family caregivers the opportunity to take a break from their duties while knowing that their loved ones are receiving quality care in a safe environment. This break allows them to tend to their own personal needs, participate in social activities and manage other responsibilities that may have been put on the back burner, or simply rest. Caregivers who use respite care often report that they return to their caregiving responsibilities with renewed energy and patience, which translates to better care for the person in their charge.

There are several types of respite care available, including adult day care, short-term stays in an assisted living or nursing home and hospice care. Check with your local community services agency or area agency on aging to learn more about respite care options in your area. In addition, some states have programs that may help pay for respite care. Also, contact your health insurance provider to see if they offer any supplemental benefits that can assist with the cost of care.

Taking Care of Your Loved One

Caring for a loved one can be extremely rewarding, but it isn’t without its challenges. It’s common for primary caregivers to experience physical, emotional and financial stress as they juggle caregiving with work and family. Respite care can help by allowing the caregiver to take a break from their responsibilities and know that their loved one is in safe hands.

If you’re considering respite care for your loved one, it’s important to do some research before choosing a provider. Ask for references and visit potential facilities (ideally on different days) before making a decision. Ask about the qualifications of the staff and whether they have experience caring for a loved one with similar needs to yours. Depending on your situation, Medicaid and Medicare may be able to help cover some of the cost of respite care.

Recipients of respite care can benefit from a change of scenery and routine. They may feel like they’re a burden on their families and can benefit from being around other people who will interact with them. This type of care can also provide them with the opportunity to learn new things and build relationships that they may not have been able to form with their families. This can improve their overall well-being and make them less prone to feelings of depression.

Taking Care of Others

Caring for a loved one can be physically and emotionally exhausting. The adage “you can’t pour from an empty cup” applies here, and it’s important for caregivers to take care of their own physical health by eating well and getting exercise.

Respite care can help by providing a temporary support system for caregivers to focus on their own needs, such as taking a nap or going out with friends. This can help alleviate stress, which is often the root cause of fatigue and anxiety.

Another benefit of respite care is reducing isolation, which can be a significant challenge for family caregivers. Frequent breaks can help reduce feelings of loneliness and revitalize relationships that may have become strained due to the demands of caring for an elderly loved one.

There are many different options for respite care, such as adult day services, senior centers, community programs and residential facilities (including nursing homes and assisted living). Some states offer assistance with the cost of respite care, such as Lifespan Respite Vouchers. Additionally, organizations that support people with specific conditions, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, also have resources available. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out to other caregivers in your community and ask them for recommendations. They might be able to offer a trusted caregiver or even trade shifts with you.