For those who are actively caring for a disabled or chronically-ill elder in the home, the challenges are numerous and the schedule can be demanding. Oftentimes, an elder care provider is caring for an elderly parent at the same time they are caring for their own family at home. Typically, the care providers are alone in their efforts. Elder care is widely recognized as a demanding and difficult job, where the physical, emotional and financial costs to the family caregiver can be overwhelming. Few are equipped to provide constant elder care – especially when they are alone in their efforts. Fortunately, through respite care, there is an opportunity for temporary relief.
As it is commonly known, respite care provides short term, temporary breaks for those who are caring for an elderly family member. It should be mentioned that a respite care break is essential for the health and wellbeing of the care provider. A respite care “break” can relieve stress and restore balance in one’s daily life. A respite care break is not an act of unkindness toward an elder that requires constant attention and it is not an act of self-indulgence. Respite programs are widely-used across the globe by providers of care to their elders or other disabled or chronically-ill individuals.
There are a number of respite care options and strategies that are available to the care provider. The benefits are numerous:
- Respite care allows trained volunteers or professionals to provide caregivers with temporary relief from their daily routine.
- Respite care services sometimes involve daytime and overnight care for an extended period of time.
- Respite care enables caregivers and their families to take time off together – such as with a vacation or a holiday break.
- Respite care is available on an occasional basis or as part of a regular schedule.
- Respite care allows caregivers “time away” to reconnect with their outside lives and family.
- Respite care is a perfect option for those who have unplanned emergencies away from home.
- Respite care has been shown to help families sustain caregiver’s emotional health and overall wellbeing.
- Among those of the Sandwich Generation, respite care has also been shown to reduce the instances of family counseling, separation and divorce.
- Respite care can be provided by friends, relatives, volunteers or as a service arranged directly or through an agency such as Benefits of Home.
- In many areas of the world, respite care is referred to as “a gift of time.”
There are numerous respite care models available to care providers. For round-the-clock assistance, the most common type of respite care is “in-home” care. The in-home model is one in which a temporary caregiver is put into place in the home. With an in-home respite care program, there is also a benefit to the care recipient in that they are not removed from the home environment as with a specialized facility (or adult day care) that is outside the home. If respite care is only needed for a few hours a week, there are “sitter-companion” services available through many agencies, community and faith-based organizations.
The Benefits of Respite Care article is just one of many resources designed to help seniors and senior-care providers. To read more about senior care topics and stay up-to-date on latest developments, read the monthly blog articles here at Benefits of Home.
