Respite Care Services in Waynesville, NC

As the name suggests, respite care offers support for family caregivers who need time away from the duties associated with caring for an older family member. Depending on the circumstances, respite for caregivers may be scheduled regularly or provided as needed when the primary caregiver's schedule temporarily changes. Visiting Angels provides flexible respite care solutions, so you can create a schedule that fits your needs.

Types of Respite Care Services Offered in Waynesville

Respite care provides in-home care services to assist older adults with their daily activities. This may include the following:

• Meal planning and preparation
• Grocery shopping and other errands
• Prescription medication pickup
• Medication reminders
• Light housekeeping such as laundry and cleaning
• Transportation to appointments
• Aiding with bathing, dressing, and toileting
• Companionship and conversation
• Light physical activity such as walks around the neighborhood or park
• Engagement in hobbies such as reading or crafts
• Assistance with transferring or ambulation

Benefits of Choosing Local Respite Care Services

Respite care services ensure the health and safety of older adults who require supervision, assistance, or companionship. Our skilled caregivers understand the unique needs of different patients. They can provide mindful supervision of patients with dementia who are prone to wandering, assist with transfers for patients using mobility aides, and offer compassionate companionship to seniors suffering from social isolation.

Respite care also offers an abundance of benefits for the family caregiver. In the United States, 53 million people provide long-term care for disabled, aging, or chronically ill people. These family caregivers often suffer mental, social, financial, and physical declines because of this care. Respite care gives family caregivers the opportunity to step back and address their own needs. This includes socializing with friends, pursuing stress management activities, resting, and caring for their own home and family.

Understanding when and how to apply for respite care is important. You should find reliable respite care services well before any pressing need for assistance. This gives ample time for you to meet with your prospective caregivers, find someone that you're comfortable working with, and develop a schedule and care plan that meets the needs of the patient and the primary caregiver. 

Financial Considerations

Many families are concerned about the cost of Waynesville, North Carolina, respite care services. Before you complete a respite application, it's only natural to wonder about the financial considerations associated with this service. Medicare only offers coverage for respite care if the patient qualifies for hospice, and the respite must be provided in a Medicare-approved inpatient facility. 

Long-term care insurance can help cover some of the cost of respite care, and Visiting Angels works with long-term care insurance providers. Patients are typically eligible for long-term care insurance coverage if they can no longer perform several activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing, managing incontinence, or maintaining mobility.

What To Look for in a Respite Care Provider

When you're selecting a respite care provider, it's important to find someone that you and your loved one feel comfortable with. In-home caregivers are trusted with the important task of caring for your loved one, and a good service provider will display dedication and commitment to this goal. When you're looking for Waynesville, North Carolina, respite care services, you may want to consider some of the following points:

• What experience and training do the providers have?
• Are references available?
• Can the service provide flexible respite care that fits your schedule?
• Will you work with the same provider each time?
• Is the provider comfortable engaging in the preferred activities of your loved one, such as puzzles, games, or reading aloud?
• Does the respite care service fit your budget?

You should feel an affinity for the caregiver that you select to work in your loved one's home. Take the time to carefully consider each option for respite care services in Waynesville, North Carolina, to make sure you're working with the best provider for your needs.

How To Arrange for Respite Care Services

If you've found a company that you're interested in working with, one of the first steps is a personal consultation. You should always have a detailed conversation with the home care agency about your loved one and their specific needs to determine how it can best offer the right support.

You will also want to have a live interview with the caregiver assigned to your care. This allows you to make sure your loved one is comfortable with the individual. If you're happy with the results of these appointments, you can go on to complete your respite care application and arrange for services.

FAQ: Respite Care Services in Waynesville, North Carolina

Below are the answers to some common questions about respite care services in Waynesville, North Carolina.

Who Needs Respite Care?

Respite care is a valuable resource for any family caregiver, as it offers a reprieve from the challenges and stressors of providing in-home care.

Do We Need a Nurse for Respite Care?

You don't need to hire a licensed nurse for respite care unless your loved one needs medical services. Our respite caregivers can pick up prescription medications and assist with medication reminders. They cannot administer medications.

What's the Difference Between Respite Care and Long-Term Care?

Respite care is short-term care provided while the primary family caregiver is away. Visiting Angels also offers long-term care on a frequent and recurring basis if needed.

Book Your Complimentary Care Consultation With Visiting Angels of Western North Carolina

If you need respite care services in Waynesville, North Carolina, our staff at Visiting Angels can help. We have a team of compassionate, well-educated caregivers who know how to handle the unique needs of older adults, including those suffering from social isolation, dementia, mobility issues, and other challenges. We can give you the peace of mind you deserve while taking much-needed respite from your daily caregiving duties. Contact us now to set up your free consultation.