Respite care allows primary caregivers to take a break from their usual duties of being responsible for their patients, allowing them to take care of themselves. Respite care is deemed an umbrella term that covers short term relief for a primary caregiver that is normally responsible for an elderly individual or someone that is ill.
Who Can Provide Respite Care?
Respite care can come in various forms, such as with a trained and skilled caregiver or through enrolling your loved one into an adult day care. There is no ‘one size fits all’ for respite care, as each individual and family will have different needs that they need to be met. Before making a formal decision about respite care, it is important to take the patients needs in mind, as that may influence the decision that is best for all parties. The most basic form of respite care is when a primary or familial caregiver asks for someone to temporarily take their place. This person could be a family member, friend or someone else that they trust with their patient. It is important to note that these individuals are more than likely not professional caregivers, but rather people that are willing to lend his or her time to help out the primary caregiver.
Traditional respite care is when a primary or familial caregiver hires a professional caregiver to come and take their place for a certain period of time. These caregivers can provide relief anywhere from a few hours to a few months. Professional caregivers are often specifically trained and well-versed in providing care to those in need. Whether the patient is ill, elderly or disabled, a professional caregiver is able to provide the proper services he or she needs in order to remain happy and healthy. Various services offered by a professional caregiver includes meal preparation, medication reminders, light housekeeping and companionship. While the primary caregiver takes a much-needed hiatus and a well-deserved break, a professional caregiver will step in to provide quality care that will leave family and friends at ease.
Other forms of respite care can include temporary adult daycare centers or residential facilities (also known as skilled nursing facilities) specifically for seniors or ill patients. These options are best if the family and primary caregiver cannot find someone to replace them or do not want to employ a professional caregiver. The patient will have to be moved out of the comfort of their home and into the facility in question, but the primary caregiver will be given a break. We encourage each family and support system to explore the proper option for your loved one based on their needs, as each person will vary.
Why Respite Care is a Reliable Option
For primary or familial caregivers, emotions may run high and they may start to feel burnt out and exhausted. Respite care is a viable option for the caregivers that may be struggling with their daily tasks as a caregiver, as well as the tasks that they have at hand in their personal life. In order to cope with the struggles that a caregiver faces, it is important to know when a break is needed and warranted. Respite services are the perfect option for caregivers that are feeling as though they need a mental, emotional or physical break from a very demanding job. In order to have a health mind, heart and soul, caregivers must recognize when it is time to accept help, decompress and get back to feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on their job!
Of course, it is easier said than done for some caregivers. Although they may be feeling burnt out and exhausted, he or she may feel guilty leaving their loved ones. Caregiver guilt is common, especially when they are choosing to temporarily remove themselves for time off. When a professional caregiver is hired to replace the familial caregiver, it can bring a sense of ease and comfort to otherwise worrisome and restless minds.
Before making the decision of which respite care service to enlist during the primary caregiver’s absence, there are important things to consider, such as the following:
- Is the caregiver qualified to take care of the patient? Do they have the skills needed to take care of them for a significant period of time?
- Who will be paying the caregiver? Respite care through professional companies are not free, and they may add up if you are enlisting the help of a caregiver for more than a few weeks! Having a budget conversation prior to doing research will allow the process to be seamless, less stressful and easier for all parties involved.
- Are the caregivers reliable? Often times, caregivers that are friends or family may call out sick or have personal emergencies come up. Professional home care agencies have the ability to try to send replacements, should the original caregiver be unable to fulfill their duties for that day.
There are a lot of factors to consider before hiring someone for respite care. Respite care services are wonderful and can provide primary caregivers with much needed breaks! We encourage all individuals to do their research and to take their loved ones needs, health and happiness into consideration when looking for alternatives.
24 Hour Home Care offers respite care to familial and primary caregivers that are in need of assistance. In home respite care will give you peace of mind that your loved ones are in good hands while you take time to yourself. As a respite care provider, 24 Hour Home Care can assist your family with personal care, medication reminders, meal preparation, transportation, light housekeeping and can provide companionship. Now familial caregivers can take the break they deserve to rest and recharge, while their loved one is being cared for safely at home. Our flexible schedules allow your family to receive long term respite care or short term respite care, fitting the exact needs of you and your loved ones.