All About Respite Care for Seniors (A Quick Guide)

Are you the primary caregiver for an aging loved one? Then you know how important it is to take a break from your caregiving.
Although it can be rewarding, caregiving can also be both mentally and physically exhausting. The hands-on helping and emotional strain of dealing with a loved one’s illness and/or behavioural changes means that, sooner or later, you’ll need a break.
This is where short-term respite care or short stay programs for seniors can be helpful. Respite care refers to occasional short-term breaks that caregivers take to look after their own needs. They help you de-stress, restore your mental and physical energy and maintain balance in your personal life.

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Here are important things you should know about respite care for seniors to understand why it’s your best option.

Respite Care 101

Don’t mistake it for self-indulgence. Respite care is a necessity that may arise at any time.
What is respite care?
Respite care for seniors offers short-term professional care options so you can take a break from your round-the-clock responsibilities. Alternatively, it can be used when you need an emergency care plan. The stay can be as short as a week or as long as a month, depending on your needs. It lets you relax and breathe while being a welcome temporary change in your loved one’s monotonous routine too. Moreover, it allows you to take care of yourself, ensuring that you’re better able to meet your loved ones’ needs.

What services do respite providers offer?

One unique facet of respite care is that it’s designed to fit individual situations and the unique needs of both caregiver and recipient. This means family members have the freedom to use the extent of the services and the type of care required. For instance, if you have an elderly parent who needs to be looked after while you’re on holiday, service providers can step in with 24-hour care.
The types of services offered are tailored to your circumstances. One senior may not need to be looked after around the clock; another may. Respite workers can accommodate both situations. This may include help with personal care such as feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming and toileting. They may also offer services like cleaning up, preparing meals, shopping or washing clothes. Workers with care licensing can assist with medication and physical therapy. They are also trained to look after seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia, among other mental health concerns, and strokes.

In what instances may a caregiver need a break?

When you’re the primary caregiver, there are many instances when you need to take time off, including:

• Vacation

It’s natural to want to relax. A vacation gives you a chance to rest from your caregiving responsibilities, recharge and get back to your duties feeling refreshed.

• Fatigue

If you’ve been caring for someone for months without a break, chances are you’re run down, tired and irritable. These are some of the most common signs of fatigue, which can worsen without relief, even if that relief is only for a short period of time.

• Travel for Business

If your job requires travel, respite care is a blessing that can help you advance your career without feeling like you’ve abandoned your loved one.

• Injury or Illness

This works for both the caregiver and recipient. For instance, if your charge is suffering an extended illness that warrants a level of care you aren’t trained to provide, respite care providers can look after them. Alternatively, if you’ve hurt your back while caring for them, or are otherwise physically unfit to offer the care required, respite workers can step in.

What are the types of respite care?

• At-Home Care

If you’re a caregiver looking after a senior at home, the respite worker can come to you.  The latter may act as a companion, keep them out of harm’s way and help them with bathing, dressing, grooming, making beds and fixing meals, among other duties.

• Adult Day Centres/Programs

You can take your loved one to an adult day centre for a few hours, or even the entire day, as required. These facilities offer music classes, exercise programs and meals, all supervised by trained staff. Some programs also offer to pick up and drop off participants.

• Respite Care Facilities

You may want to consider assisted living facilities or a retirement residence that offers apartments for seniors who can’t live on their own. Some offer short-term care, also referred to as residential respite care or short-term assisted living. Trained staff provide care both day and night. They help residents take medications on schedule, bathe, dress, eat regular meals and take part in physical activities. Some facilities even offer supervised outings and gyms, among other amenities.
Being the primary caregiver of an older person can be all-consuming. That’s why it pays to plan, and the need for respite care may come up at any time. By being prepared you ensure the situation stays under control and doesn’t disrupt your activities or the care your loved one requires.