To date, there are more than 40 million caregivers in the United States who are unpaid and nine out of ten of them are caring for an aging loved one. As the aging population continues to grow, an increasing number of family members are finding themselves becoming caregivers. Some choose the option to save money whilst others just feel that it is the right thing to do. As fulfilling as it may be to provide care to our loved ones, it can also become overwhelming in the long run especially when our loved ones require assistance with day-to-day tasks and other medical needs. If you are looking to engage respite care services, here are some things that you need to know to ensure your loved ones receive the right type of care.
Basics of Respite Care
Respite care is a short-term care alternative that provides temporary relief for caregivers. Brief breaks are important to help caregivers maintain a positive outlook when juggling with the many duties of caring for an aging loved one. There are also longer-term respite care services that last up to a few weeks to a whole month. No matter how long the period of respite care, the aim is to provide caregivers with a break that lets them focus on themselves and all other personal responsibilities. Respite care is also ideal for caregivers who need to take care of personal errands and tasks. It helps caregivers to find balance in their lives and is especially helpful in an emergency situation.
Respite Care Services
There is a wide array of respite care services that are designed to cater to the exact needs of the older adult. Whether they require medication administration assistance or just basic supervision, there are specific respite care services that offer the level of care that each older adult needs. The different respite care services are as follows:
- Supervision and Companionship – If your loved one is generally independent but requires supervision or companionship, respite care is a good option.
- Daily Living Activities – Daily living activities are the basic tasks that need to be done on a daily basis such as bathing, grooming, feeding, and dressing. Assistance for daily living activities is a standard service offered as part of respite care.
- Basic Medical Care – Most respite care providers offer basic medical care like medication management and wound care.
- Household Tasks – Respite care services include basic housekeeping assistance like laundry, grocery shopping, and light cleaning.
- Transportation – Some respite care providers offer complimentary transportation services to so older adults can commute to their doctor’s appointments, to church services and others in comfort and safety.
- Meals – Meals are often prepared for respite care residents to ensure they get senior catered dining for three nutritious meals a day.
- Personal Attention – Older adults receiving respite care will be given personal attention so as to focus on their exact needs.
Respite care is offered in different types that include informal respite, adult day care, professional in-home care, and residential respite care. Regardless of your needs, respite care offers a professional level of care to your aging loved ones while you are away.
