If you’re feeling burnt out from caregiving, know that you’re not alone. The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP estimate that over 34 million Americans deliver unpaid care to an adult who is 50 years of age or older. Although caring for others can be incredibly fulfilling, it can also be extremely taxing, especially for people who are also working and/or taking care of kids. No matter how well-prepared you are, self-care is essential if you want to take the best possible care of your loved one as well as your own physical and mental health. A respite care provider can help make the situation easier for you to manage. In this article, we’ll be going through a few questions that will help you find respite care that is perfect for your loved one’s needs.
What Is Respite Care
Firstly, you might be wondering how respite care differs from other care options out there.
Respite care, whether it is emergency or scheduled, offers momentary relief to people who are taking care of loved ones. Adults who require developmental, mental, or physical care are suitable candidates for respite care.
Typical situations when a provider of respite care can assist include:
- The care giver needing to take some time away for a personal or business holiday, or a much-needed break.
- For patients who have undergone hospitalization or rehabilitation but could benefit from additional care
- When patients who had same-day surgery or other outpatient treatments desire a day or two of rest before returning to their regular schedules
Deciding Which Respite Care Centre To Go with
It can be frightening to consider someone else filling in, even temporarily for you.
After all, you may be used to doing everything for your loved one – washing, dressing, feeding, handling their transport between destinations, laundry, medication schedule, emotional support, and more.
Finding the ideal fit of a respite care provider is thus essential for both you and your loved one’s peace of mind.
Look into the respite care centers in your area and select a few to visit. If need be, you can call to find out more.
Here are a few questions to ask the care provider:
- What kinds of services do you offer
- What options are there for lodging?
- What kind of training do the members of your staff receive?
- What is the ratio of workers to residents receiving care?
- How far in advance must respite care be scheduled?
- Does Medicare or other insurance offer coverage for this kind of care?
- How long does respite care typically last, on average?
- What dining options are provided?
- Do visitors receiving respite care have unrestricted access to all amenities?
- What are the daily programs available?
- What is your visitor policy?
- How do you handle unexpected medical situations?
Whatever your loved one’s health condition is, you can count on our vibrant retirement community to provide you with round-the-clock support. Our respite care option includes compassionate and high-quality short-term care for your loved one as and when you require it. If you requite short-term support because your loved one is recovering from illness or surgery, or just need a break from caregiving, we are here for you.
