When someone you care for becomes severely limited in their mental or physical health, it can be difficult to determine where they should live. In some cases, the person will be able to remain in their or their family’s personal residence where they can receive the majority of their care from their loved ones. However, caring for another person in the home full-time can be a difficult task. It may be that the caregiver works outside of the home or needs a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Under these circumstances, respite care may provide a therapeutic solution which benefits everyone.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care refers to supplemental care which is in place to give caregivers and their loved ones an alternative for meeting their loved one’s needs while their caregiver has time to attend to other matters. This type of care can be as simple as a replacement caregiver coming into the home or could involve a formal community setting. For those individuals who receive respite care in the community, they may be afforded an opportunity to socialize and be involved in activities while their caregiver can take the time they need to re-charge or attend to other responsibilities.
Types of Respite Care
One type of respite care for seniors are adult day center programs. This type of program offers a place where seniors can go and interact with other seniors in a supervised environment. These programs ordinarily offer recreation, social services, meals, and structured activities. Depending on the needs of the person and the program, there may also be personal and medical care services available to program participants. Respite care services which are provided through formal programs such as an adult day center are ordinarily considered long-term care. This type of care may be covered by long-term care insurance policies, some social security benefit programs, and programs such as Medicaid.
Determining if Respite Care is Right for You
In determining whether a respite care program is right for your circumstances, it is helpful to consider whether or not your loved one would benefit from the social environment and activities offered. Another consideration is the level of care they require and how well the program you are considering may meet their needs. As a caregiver, it is also important to consider your own needs and how this kind of care may support you in the caregiving role.
Families who assume the caregiving role can be in a challenging position as they work to meet the needs of their loved one while balancing their other life responsibilities. Having resources in place to provide everyone with relief from their ordinary circumstances can serve to support the caregiver and their loved one.
We understand the issues faced by today’s seniors and their families and can provide insight and advice to help you look into your possible respite care options. Please contact us online or by phone if we may be of assistance.