Senior Care Choices: Respite Care

This blog post is a part of a series entitled, “Senior Care Choices.” In each post, you’ll get an overview of a specific senior care option and the basic information you’ll need to know if it is a good option for you to pursue. Today we’re talking about respite care. Be sure to check out the different posts detailing other excellent possibilities of care for you or your loved one.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is short term care for a senior. Whether in a community or at home, care is provided on a temporary basis while the primary caretaker is on vacation or indisposed due to surgery or illness.

When Should I Consider Respite Care?

Respite care can be a life saver for caregivers needing a break from the physical and mental demands of care giving. Caregivers can rest knowing that their loved one is well taken care of.

Respite has been shown to help sustain family caregiver health and well being, avoid or delay out-of-home placements, and reduce the likelihood of abuse and neglect.

As a caregiver with the financial resources, respite care is a highly recommended way to get a mental and physical break from the rigors of taking care of a loved one. You should not feel guilty about needing a break, as long as you are confident in the quality of the respite care provider.

How Do I Choose a Respite Care Program?

Respite care can also be a great way to “test the waters” if you and your loved one are considering full-time help or a move. Several nursing homes, assisted living communities, home care providers, and hospitals offer respite care.

Adult day care can be considered a type of respite care as it offers care during a specific time period on certain days. Some providers offer this service as a way to bring in clients full-time.

Medicare, Medicaid & VA cover some respite care fees, when health care is needed (in the case of a nursing home, home health &/or hospice care). Check with Turning Point about your options with respect to offers and fees.