What are the options for respite care or temporary relief from caregiving duties?
As a Care Partner/caregiver there will be times when you need a break from your loved one? For some a day away is sufficient but for others a week away is needed. This is when the Care Partner needs to determine options available for respite care.
Respite care provides the caregiver a chance to relax, regroup and replenish their energy. Respite can take various forms. It can mean a few short hours without caregiving responsibilities and worries, while a sibling steps in or an in-home caregiver takes over. Respite could involve dropping a parent or spouse off for adult day services. Respite might mean a long weekend away for caregivers during their loved one’s temporary stay at an assisted living facility.
What you need to know.
Respite care can be costly, so it is important to determine what services are needed and the most cost effective and safe way to provide those.
The types of Respite Care available.
The four most common are adult day care centers, in-home caregiving, assisted living stay and informal family respite care. Each has pluses and minuses and different costs associated with the care.
The ideal is the informal family/friend respite.
Siblings or other relatives, friends, and other volunteers through community networks like CaringBridge, church or school and let people pitch in to give the primary caregiver a break.
This allows the loved one to be at home with someone they know while you are away. This also decreases your stress level when you are away knowing that a family/friend is a caregiver.
Although there is no cost involved it can be a challenge to schedule and have individuals commit for an extended period. This works best for a weekend or one day a week.
The next option is In-Home Caregiving.
Professional caregivers such as certified nursing assistants, or when needed, a visiting nurse to provide care where the older adult lives. In-home services can encompass help with preparing meals, personal hygiene, toileting, and other needs, depending on the individual. This respite could encompass a few hours during the day or overnight stays.
In-Home provides additional services and care. With the family caregiver their medical knowledge may be limited and be more of staying with the individual and providing meals. This is ideal if your loved one needs more care.
Many companies provide in-home caregiving at various cost. The best approach is to search “in home assistance near me” This will provide services and cost. It is also important to ask for referrals from your primary care doctor, rehab center, friends in the medical field and those in your support group.
Many retired nurses and student nurses have taken on this role as an additional source of income. Check with the local nursing programs and interview students.
Consumer Affairs reports that the average cost is $24 per hour. This varies depending on the services needed and your location/state.
Options outside the home – Adult Day Care
These programs offer assistance and supervision for adults during the day. Adult social day care offers respite care, meals, recreation and social activities and may include some health services. Adult day health care provides respite care and more-intensive therapeutic, health and social services for older adults with serious medical conditions who otherwise might need nursing home care.
This is a great daily alternative for those with limited family support or work. The best way to locate is to search “Adult Day Care near me.”
Forbes reports that the average cost is $25 to more than $100 a day. per hour. This varies depending on the services needed and your location/state.
The cost of adult day care isn’t usually covered by Medicare. Depending on your loved one’s health and financial situation, you may qualify for government programs that reimburse adult day care costs. Reimbursement programs that might pay for adult day care may include some state Medicaid programs and the Adult Day Health Care program offered by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Options for longer respite care – Assisted Living Stay
Short-term stays in some assisted living facilities, for instance to go on vacation or attend an out-of-town event. Medication assistance, meals, help with activities of daily living and a variety of social activities are all included.
Respite care can be costly and not facilities will care for certain conditions. Respite care is by far the most popular resource for caregivers associated with the National Family Caregiver Support Program, established by Congress in 2000 as part of the Older Americans Act.
The NFCSP provides funding though grants to private and voluntary agencies that assist family caregivers with services including respite. NFCSP funding is also provided to every state, territory, and tribe, requiring the establishment of a basic set of services and supports to family caregivers.
The average rate for one day of assisted living facility care is $148, according to the Genworth survey. However, respite care might not be offered on an occasional, short-term basis, and there may be a minimum stay requirement.
NEXT STEPS:
1. Start looking NOW not when you are your ropes end. Knowing you have a plan will decrease your stress.
2. Determine what services you need and how often.
3. Discuss these needs with family and friends.
4. Reach out to your primary care doctor, friends, and medical personnel for recommendations.
5. Determine your budget.
6. Interview several locations.
7. Develop a plan with the support chosen.
8. Schedule time away
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