Respite Care: A Solution for the Whole Family
Your senior mom or dad gets the benefit of a compassionate, companion caregiver while you get time to rest, recharge, and focus on other matters confidently
Respite care is a senior care solution that is designed to cater to the needs of both older adults and the people caring for them. It enables primary caregivers to take a break from their many responsibilities to spend quality time with loved ones, go on a vacation or just rest. It comes with benefits for seniors as well. Older adults get to enjoy a varied routine, maintain independence in the absence of the family caregiver, and meet and interact with a friendly, professional caregiver.
Why Do I Need Respite Care?
Giving peace of mind to family members and seniors alike, respite care is the ideal solution for you if you want to remain your parent’s primary caregiver while also taking proper care of yourself and your needs too.
Caring for a senior loved one can be very demanding at times and respite care can allow you to share some of the burdens of caregiving with trained professionals. This way, while you are taking time for yourself, you won’t have to worry if your loved one is well provided for. In your absence, they will have everything they need to thrive, including assistance with personal care, meal preparation, running errands, companionship, meaningful interaction, and more.
Additionally, you can use this time to recharge your batteries, finish unfinished business, do what makes you happy, and more. By taking time just for yourself, you can be a better, happier caregiver for your loved one and improve the entire experience for both of you.
How Often Do I Need Respite Care?
While the number of hours of care you need depends on your unique situation, it is important to know that respite care is available non-stop, including weekends and holidays. It can be a short-term or long-term care solution, whatever works best for your family. As it is created to fit your and your loved one’s schedules, you can tailor it as you see fit; there are absolutely no limitations to the non-medical home care assistance that can be provided.
To determine the number of hours of care you need, you can answer the following the questions:
- Are other family members involved in your loved one’s care?
- What are your daily caregiving responsibilities?
- What are your daily responsibilities other than caregiving?
- What does your work schedule look like?
- Do you have kids?
- Does your loved one have special care needs?
- Is your parent safe at home alone?
- What services does your loved one need to maintain independence?
These questions can help both you and your care coordinator build the right plan for your needs. However, it is important to note that your loved one’s care plan may change and evolve over time, also reducing or increasing the number of hours of care needed.
How Much Does Respite Care Cost?
Respite care is a personalized care solution, so the cost of care will be determined by your home care provider, often contingent on the type of services provided and the hours of care needed per visit. While creating your loved one’s plan together with a professional care coordinator, you can discuss the cost of care and determine the best solution for your unique situation.
When considering respite care for your family, it is important to think of your wellness as well as your loved one’s long-term care needs. Starting with part-time care while your mom or dad is relatively independent can help them get comfortable with the idea of home care and even form a trusting relationship with their caregivers. As their needs advance, your senior loved one will feel confident in their caregiver and be more open to asking for help with personal care. As for your wellness, respite care can provide you with the reliable support necessary to prevent stress and caregiver burnout.
When you’re ready to learn more about getting started with respite home care, consider Visiting Angels of Woodbridge, CT. Visiting Angels of Woodbridge, CT, is a leading provider of non-medical in home care services for seniors. Our office serves New Haven County, Fairfield County, Westchester County and all five boroughs of New York City, NY. To learn more about the in-home living assistance services provided by our staff of compassionate caregivers, please call our Newington office at (203) 397-6890 or contact us for more information.