What if you could better take care of yourself while still taking care of a loved one?
Many who provide long-term care for a loved one have trouble practicing self-care. After all, it’s difficult to take time for yourself without worrying about what will happen to the other person.
Respite care may be the solution to your problem. It lets you reclaim your life while still providing expert care to those you care about the most.
What does respite care mean and how can it change your life? Keep reading to discover the answer!
What Does Respite Care Mean?
We’ve prepared a comprehensive guide to everything you should know about respite care. First, though, it’s important to define what this kind of care is.
This is a temporary care service that you can provide for a loved one. It is designed to help primary caregivers take time off for things ranging from vacations to simple self-care.
Respite care offers many different advantages to both the caregiver and their loved one. And on top of that, it has many versatile uses.
Care At the Speed of Life
One of the best things about respite care is flexibility. You never know when you will need to take some time for yourself, and this care can accommodate your schedule.
You can arrange for respite care almost right away. And you can determine how much or how little you need it for.
It’s possible to adjust the frequency of visitations as well. Does your loved one need daily check-ins or only on weekends? On top of that, care is available for all major holidays.
In short, respite care can work around your own schedule and let you take a much-needed breather.
What Happens While You’re Gone?
The word “care” can often feel a bit ambiguous. It’s fair to ask: what exactly happens with respite care when you are gone?
Caregivers will help your loved one with a variety of tasks as needed. This includes medication, meals, baths, and getting dressed. Furthermore, the caregiver can help with exercise and much-needed excursions.
And respite care is about more than helping with mechanical tasks. In many cases, patients welcome the opportunity to meet new people. This creates new opportunities to socialize, which can be just as healthy as medication and exercise.
Who Is It For?
Respite care sounds good, but is it really for you? It’s important to understand who this form of care was designed for.
This care was designed to offer relief to anyone who is a primary caregiver to another person. We understand that offering that kind of care on a long-term basis can be emotionally exhausting.
Additionally, respite care is perfect for caregivers that are starting to feel burned out. Did you know that between 40-70% of primary caregivers experience depression?
With respite care, you can take the break you need before you fully burn out. It’s a chance to recharge your batteries, all while knowing that your loved one is in good hands.
Where Is Respite Care Available?
Care for loved ones can happen in many different places. Some primary caregivers take care of someone at their home. Others take care of loved ones in specialized facilities.
The good news is that respite care is flexible. Many home care options are available, but it’s also possible to send professional caregivers to medical facilities.
Ultimately, the result of such flexibility is that you have one less thing to worry about when you are arranging care. And most patients are very happy that they don’t have to be moved to a new environment before receiving the benefits of respite care.
Respite care is available wherever you and your loved ones are.
How Much Do I Need?
One common question is, “how much respite care do I need to get?” The answer is going to vary from caregiver to caregiver and patient to patient.
For example, some caregivers have children or other family members who help to watch over a loved one. In that case, you may only need a respite caregiver to check in on someone once or twice a week for a couple of hours.
In other cases, someone may not have much of a support system and may need more consistent care. Fortunately, it’s possible to schedule as much respite care as your loved ones will need. That ensures their best possible quality of life while you are gone.
Which Patients Benefit the Most?
Strictly speaking, you can get respite care for any loved ones who need it. However, it’s common to be curious about who would actually need respite care the most if you were gone for a period of time.
Some prime candidates for care are those who have suffered from things like brain injury, dementia, or stroke. Because they may have limited mobility and/or cognition, it’s important to have someone to assist them.
Other good candidates are those with a complex medical and/or exercise regimen. Patients experiencing cancer treatments, for example, may need consistent monitoring and assistance.
These are just a few examples. At the end of the day, respite care is available for any loved one who needs it.
Will the Cost Be Covered?
The final question that many people have about respite care, though, is whether the costs will be fully or partially covered. The answer to this is “it depends.”
In all likelihood, Medicare will not cover the costs of long-term care. Fortunately, respite care is designed as a form of short-term care. In most cases, Medicare will cover the costs of respite care.
In some states, Medicaid can help fund respite care. And the Department of Veterans Affairs may cover either respite care or equivalent service for qualifying veterans.
What Comes Next?
Now you have the answer to, “what does respite care mean?” But do you know where to find the care that your loved ones deserve?
We offer a full range of care options for patients. To see how we can help with your unique needs, come explore our respite care options today!
