Respite Care

Respite Care Services for Family Caretakers by Senior-Meals.org

Respite Care Services for Family Caretakers by Senior-Meals.org
Top Rated Senior Meals

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is a way of providing "breathing room" to all members of a family who have a senior loved one residing in their home. It gives families and caregivers a much-needed rest and breaks. Respite can take place in-home or out-of-home. The length of time respite lasts on the needs of each family and the resources that are available. Respite care provides the following relief: 
  • Relaxation- Families are able to relax, rest and revive. Once their energy and purpose are renewed, they are able to better care for their loved ones. 
  • Stability- Respite enables family caregivers to better handle moments of stress and crisis by ensuring they are well-rested and are not burnt-out. 
  • Family Preservation- Respite means the family is more likely to stay together. When regular breaks are given to a caregiver, tensions and stress are less likely to disturb the family unit. 
Respite care service can be provided by different community organizations, residential care facilities, or other agencies. This respite care service can vary from a few hours of the day to several weeks at a time. Different types of out-of-home respite services include:
  • Adult Day Care Centers - Adult day care centers offer safe environments for seniors. Generally, they accept seniors with all types of disabilities, including those who are incontinent and those who have Alzheimer's. Trained medical staff take care of loved ones and lead them in activities that may include exercise or art and music. Often, transportation, as well as meals, are provided. 
  • Senior Centers - Senior centers also provide respite relief, although families should check with their local senior center to find if there are any requirements of the center, such as requiring visitors to be ambulatory. These centers provide music and art classes, as well as providing socialization opportunities. 
  • Specialized Respite - Specialized respite employs the use of local facilities where the senior may go and stay for a few days or weeks. These types of services are best suited for those who need emergency or round-the-clock care. 
What is Respite Care?
In-Home Respite Care

In-home respite care is popular for a variety of reasons. The biggest reason for home respite care is chosen is because the senior in question suffers from an impairment that would make it difficult to get him or her to an out-of-home facility. In-home care providers can provide: 
  • Companion services that include watching television, playing games, talking and listening, along with supervision. 
  • Personal care services such as bathing, showering, hair styling, shaving, and getting dressed. In-home care may also provide aid with cooking and cleaning. 
  • Skilled care services, such as those provided by a home health aide. These may include administering medications and injections as well as tending to wounds.
Respite Care Providers

When searching for respite care providers, it is essential that family caregivers and home caregivers carefully research and interview all applicants. For professional respite care providers who work as home health aides or work in out-of-home settings, the following is required: 
  • A completed application to provide respite care
  • Fingerprint records that are updated every two years
  • Criminal background checks
  • Sex offender background checks
  • Some may even be required to register for a license depending on the laws of the state
If the family knows of a friend or neighbor who has experience in the field of home health care, they may want to consider asking them for help. Those involved in a local church congregation may also seek out members of the group for help in choosing or finding a provider.  While this sounds complicated, keep in mind, families only want the most qualified applicant taking care of their loved ones. Only then will they truly be able to rest and relax. 
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