Ten Things You Need to Know About Respite Care

Respite care is a necessary solution for caregivers who can’t always be available. Most jobs are none to five or similar, and at night the employee goes home, free to think of anything else. But for a caregiver, the job is 24/7, even when they work at another job. Sometimes you need a break, and sometimes you have no choice – other responsibilities abound. Worried about trying it out? Here are ten things you should know about respite care that can help you make the right decision and feel confident about it.

1. Know what it is: Respite care is the temporary replacement of a patient’s primary caregiver. It’s doesn’t mean anything permanent, and it doesn’t mean the patient is going to a hospital. It’s a short break for a caregiver when she has other things to take care of.
2. Respite care will help you be a better caregiver. That’s right! If you’re feeling guilty about using it, know that it really is the best thing for you loved one. When someone has a break and gets the opportunity to recharge their emotional batteries, she’ll return full of vitality and vigor, ready to aid once again. Your patient will get better care than before!
3. You can choose where to have the patient cared for. It can even take place in the patient’s home! While a facility has the safety, experience and security to be the right place, if the patient’s home is properly set up, and you hire a trusted and professional caregiver, you don’t even have to move him elsewhere.
4. It doesn’t have to be overnight. Sometimes you have a pressing obligation during the day, or a unique opportunity that you don’t want to miss. You can usually find respite care a senior day care center where your love one will be occupied with various enjoyable activities while you’re away.
5. It can actually improve the patient’s health. That’s right! Studies show that as the number of days of respite care increase for a patient, the number of days in the hospital decreases for the same patient. Getting your breaks benefits the patient in many ways.
6. Respite care can be mixed into your schedule in a way that works for you. While many see it only as a solution when they have other obligations or really need a break, it can be used as a long-term solution for many types of needs. For example, you can house a patient in your home and have an aide come in while you go to work – this is one form of respite care. Or you can drop off your loved one every Sunday morning at the senior center for your weekly outing. Whatever works for your personal situation is the right solution for you.
7. The cost of respite care will vary widely depending on how many hours you need and where you are looking to have it. You can talk to a home care service provider or speak to a representative at a facility to hear about the opportunities.
8. Medicare doesn’t cover long term respite care, but it may cover some short-term options. Look into it if cost is an issue.
9. Respite care providers are experienced and professional, and you shouldn’t worry about the care your loved one will receive while you’re away. They’re in good hands.
10. Respite care providing facilities are clean and modern, and they’re staffed with capable and certified caregivers. They’re also close by – you won’t have to trek out to make it a reality.

Sinai Post Acute Care offers respite care options for your loved one when you need to take a break. Our devoted staff will look after the patient with warmth and care, so you can return to a smiling face.