Respite, as defined by Merriam-Webster, is “an interval of rest or relief.”
We all need rest, a break from the daily demands of life. This is especially true for family care partners. Respite is a necessity that is often overlooked, yet it is an essential part of every caregiver’s own care.
As Aging Life Care Professionals (aka Care Managers) we focus on the older adult (or client) who needs support and services, but we also pay attention to their direct support system, be it family and/or friends.
Your health and well-being are equally important.
The responsibility of serving as a primary caregiver for someone who is older or has special needs or disabilities can be demanding—physically, mentally, financially, and emotionally.
Navigating complex systems such as health care, social services, and family support can be stressful, it is around-the-clock and overwhelming.
Statistics on primary caregivers show that roughly 30 percent (some studies show higher) predecease the individuals for whom they are caring. A few factors contribute to this:
- Caregivers don’t find time to make regular doctor and dentist appointments for their own care.
- Illnesses that might be diagnosed in early stages go undetected until much later.
- Stress and its impact on health often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
- Caregiver burnout is real. To learn more, read Family Caregivers, Don’t Let Your Flame Fizzle.
What is respite care?
Respite care is what you put in place to cover the care needs of the person in your care when you are taking a break—a respite or break from caregiving responsibilities. Respite care can be provided in many ways:
- In-home care: If the person you’re caring for lives in your home or their own, you can bring services and supports to the home with the help of family members, friends, and neighbors. Caregiving support can also be provided by home care agencies or independent professional caregivers. Home care aides can assist with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, toileting, medication management, and eating, and serve as a companion.
- Adult day centers: Adult day health and other centers and programs offer a variety of social and creative engagement, as well as some light physical activities and nutrition.
- Residential settings: Some assisted living communities offer short-term respite stays. A respite care stay can be up to 30 days, depending on the provider. Care is provided 24-hours a day.
- Creative Engagement: Our Aging Life Care practice includes Creative Engagement. Joy, meaning, and purpose can easily get overlooked as we age or live with a difficult diagnosis. Creative Engagement focuses on enhancing well-being. These visits include meaningful experiences that tap into each client’s unique interests, talents, and strengths, and allows care partners time and space for themselves. This program is not a substitute for home care services. Our services may supplement home care and other types of care or attendant support, but not replace them.
How do you coordinate respite care?
To explore and learn more about home care, adult day centers, residential options, and creative engagement that would work for your situation, you can schedule a get-acquainted call with one of our Certified Care Managers to get started.
“Caregiving is stressful, difficult work,” reflects my colleague, Lisa Mayfield. “And with a little research and some thoughtful planning, you can take some time away. You’re investing in your own health. You can confidently leave the person you care about in caring hands and get refreshed. If you’re not healthy, you can’t be your best. Remember—your health is as important as that of the person you are caring for.”
