Caregivers need care, too, and that is where respite care comes in. Respite care is when a family caregiver is given a break, or a respite, from their responsibilities caring for a loved one. This break might occur when another family member steps up for a time, or by hiring a professional caregiver to do some of the caregiving instead of the family.
Many family caregivers are juggling work and caring for other family members, such as aging parents or young children (or both!). When you combine all those responsibilities, plus the variety of tasks involved in caring for someone who is physically or mentally unable to fully care for themselves due to age, illness, or disability, it can become overwhelming. Sometimes, it’s essential to get additional support.
While home care is for the person who needs assistance, the respite is for the family of the client who is receiving the home care services. The expression, “You can’t pour from an empty cup,” sums up the critical need for respite care. Family caregivers can give too much of themselves in service to a loved one and damage their own health and well-being.
Respite care can help those caring for loved ones prevent caregiver burnout. Sometimes, caregivers need time to rest, a chance to go out and do something fun, or assistance with physically demanding tasks, such as moving or bathing loved ones. This is where respite care comes in, providing help for caregivers as well as the person being cared for.
Different Types of Respite Care
While the term “respite care” covers general caregiver assistance, there are several types of support that can fall under this type of care, including:
- Scheduled time when a professional caregiver is responsible for caring for your loved one.
- Companion care, which allows your loved one to enjoy the company of a professional caregiver while you take a much-needed break.
- Care assistance for those tasks that are too much to handle on your own. These respite care responsibilities can include assisting a loved one with physical therapy, bathing them, or moving a loved one who has mobility issues. They can also help with light housekeeping or ensuring your loved one takes their medication.
- Adult day care involves dropping your loved one off for a day to socialize with others in a safe setting. Thijs is not an option for every family, depending on the person being cared for.
A home care agency like Homewatch CareGivers can assist with any of these types of respite care, either by providing respite care in your home or providing safe transportation for your loved one to adult day care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Respite Care
Does Medicaid Pay for Respite Care?
In general, Medicaid does not pay for respite care; however, in certain cases, you may be eligible for a waiver that will provide financial assistance.
What Are Some Options for Paying for Respite Care?
In addition to any possible Medicaid or Medicare waivers and assistance, long-term care insurance pays for home care services. There are also veteran benefits, and some life insurance policies will pay for respite care.
What Can a Respite Caregiver Help With?
If you are a family caregiver in need of a break, you might be wondering what a professional caregiver can step in and do in your place. A trained caregiver can be there to assist with:
- Daily bathing and grooming
- Providing companionship for your loved one \
- Light housekeeping
- Medication reminders
- Running errands
Respite care is available for short and long-term care needs, whether someone is recovering from surgery or developing additional symptoms after a diagnosis of a progressive illness. You may need respite care for seniors, child care, or caring for a disabled loved one of any age.
Respite Care: Taking Care of Caregivers
Whether you seek out professional in-home care services or just ask friends and family to share the load, make sure you take breaks for yourself as a family caregiver from time to time to maintain your wellness. The professional, compassionate caregivers at Homewatch CareGivers are here to help!
Don’t let caregiver burnout get the best of you; get in touch with your local Homewatch CareGivers for a free consultation.
