Are you a caregiver for an elderly person? If so, then you know that helping a senior with their daily activities and meeting their various physical and emotional needs can be an all-consuming task. Fortunately, there is help for anyone who faces this difficult and stressful situation: respite care. This article examines this topic in more detail.
Home or Away
The two primary types of respite care are in-home and out-of-home. In the former, the elderly person stays at their home, while in the latter, the senior is taken some type of care facility.
In-Home
In this situation, someone comes to the home and looks after the individual while you take a break. The respite caregiver will make certain the senior is fed and give any other type of assistance required, such as help with walking, dressing or using the bathroom. They will also provide companionship and emotional support.
Out-of-Home
This type of care requires taking the senior to a local care facility. One of the most common care facilities used for respite care is an adult daycare center. Many communities have offer thIs service for elderly residents and their caregivers. Some residential facilities for senior may also provide care services on an overnight or short-term basis. Another possible option is a caregiver retreat, which a structured setting that both cares for the senior and provides educational activities for the caregiver.
Respite Caregivers
You have several options concerning who will provide the respite care: family and friends, volunteers and paid employees.
Family and Friends
If you have family members or friends willing to provide care for the senior, this is a terrific option. The elderly person will be familiar with the caregiver and feel more comfortable with them than with a stranger.
Volunteers
Volunteer caregivers are a great solution to the problem of respite care. Contact senior service organizations to see if any are available in your area.
Paid
In some instances you may need to pay someone to provide care. These caregivers typically work through local home care service providers or staffing agencies.
Cost
You may be able to find free care through a family member or volunteer, but if not, you will have to deal with the cost of the respite care. Medicaid may offset your cost in some states. Also, some states offer payments to family members that give relief to caregivers. Various non-profit organizations may offer assistance as well.
Taking care of a senior who cannot care for themselves is sometimes a lonely task. Respite care, however, offers you a chance to relax and recharge your batteries.
To learn more, contact a senior home care company like In Your Home Care.
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