Unlike robots, humans can only sustain so many hours of labor–we all need breaks. Our bodies have rhythms that we need to honor so that we can manage our wellbeing and live balanced lives. Individuals who care for individuals with special needs, such as cancer patients or seniors with dementia, need that extra break. This is where respite care can be very helpful.
What is Respite Care?
Family members or unpaid caregivers can avail themselves of short-term, long-term, or emergency services so that they can recharge and reset. Read on to learn more about your options for respite care.
There are a couple broad kinds of respite care depending on your needs and capacity. These are:
- In-home care. This setup allows the temporary caregiver to come to your home to provide assistance. Under this category, more specific types of care are available. Some examples include maid services to help with domestic duties, personal aide to assist with medication or personal care needs, and companion services to keep clients company.
In-home care is desirable since it doesn’t involve taking clients from their familiar space. The temporary caregiver works around the clients’ normal routine. Cost will vary based on whether or not you need long term or live-in care, intermittent help, or emergency services. Each state’s average hourly and daily rates will also vary, as well as Medicaid or Medicare eligibility to cover in-home care costs.
- Out-of-home care. This setting involves community-based care such as an adult day care center or residential facility. These facilities are licensed to provide care for clients that will typically include special activities and programs. Because of the community setting, this is ideal for individuals who need companionship.
Why You Should Consider Respite Care
Caregiver syndrome or caregiver stress is very real. This is what happens when a caregiver goes through physical and emotional exhaustion from providing care long-term without any breathing space. This stress negatively affects not only their work performance but their overall wellbeing. Respite care may help reduce caregiver stress and other associated health problems like insomnia, digestive issues, and resulting strong emotional responses like guilt and anger. Prevent burnout and consider connecting with in-home or out-of-home respite care services.
Choosing Your Respite Care Service
As you look at places, think of your specific needs and capacity, see if your state covers respite care as a benefit under Medicaid or Medicare, and visit some facilities.
Olivenhain Guest Home is open to caregivers in need of respite care. Feel free to visit our safe and welcoming community in Encinitas–you can have your loved one stay for a limited time or take a new look at how their lives could be improved by living with us. We’re here to assist with making the best decision depending on your care needs and we’re for you, the caregiver, as well. Please don’t hesitate to contact us to let us know how we can help.
