If you are a long-term caregiver, you understand how difficult this job is. And sometimes, you need a break. So, what can you do? In-home respite care may be a good option.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care gives caretakers a rest or a break. This could be anything from a week-long vacation to a regularly scheduled day off each week. Respite care also may be necessary if you have another obligation, such as an out-of-town business trip or a family event.
What’s the Difference Between In-Home and Out-of-Home Care?
As the name suggests, in-home care allows your patient to receive care in their own home. A nurse or a caregiver will take your place. They will either check in on your loved one according to your schedule or in other cases, provide round-the-clock care. In-home care works best for anyone who would be unnecessarily traumatized by a move to another location. This may include patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and terminal illness, as well as those who are set in their ways.
Why Should I Consider This Option?
Although you may feel guilty about giving yourself a break, respite care is essential for your physical and mental health. After all, if you’re exhausted, you won’t be able to give your loved one quality care. In addition, patients benefit from respite care too. They’ll be able to talk to new people and enjoy different activities. For instance, even if your patient prefers to stay indoors, a respite caregiver may convince them to start taking daily walks.
Where Can I Find In-Home Respite Care?
There are several possibilities, including:
- Non-Profit and Faith-Based Groups
Many charities and community organizations offer low-cost or free short-term respite care. To explore the possibilities near you, The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging is a good place to start. Simply enter your zip code to view a list of resources in your area. - Family Members
Sometimes it feels as though you are doing ALL the work. And if you have other relatives nearby, you may want (or need) more support. Of course, this can be a tricky conversation. This article, 4 Ways to Get Family to Help with Aging Parents, has some useful tips. Plus, keep in mind, there are federal and state programs that PAY relatives for assisting with caregiving. - Healthcare Staffing Agencies/Individual Providers
You also can hire a professional to cover for you. You may know someone, find someone on your own, or partner with a healthcare agency. Since agencies have hundreds of caregivers on-call, they offer greater flexibility as well as last-minute fill-ins. Some services are covered by Medicare, Medicaid, and/or insurance carriers, while other times, you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket. Check out this post for more tips on hiring home care help.
How Can Anodyne Staffing Help?
Anodyne Staffing matches families throughout Eastern Massachusetts with highly qualified caregivers, home health aides (HHAs), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs). We can provide in-home respite care for an afternoon, a weekend or even several weeks. Contact us today to learn more!
