Caring for an elderly or sick loved one is a huge commitment and can be physically and emotionally draining for family caregivers. Respite care can give family members the break they need to recuperate, allowing them to approach caregiving fresh and rested. It also allows family caregivers the time they need to take care of their own immediate family, errands, or other issues.
What to Expect:
Hiring a caregiver for respite care can be a difficult choice for some families. Many family caregivers may feel that their loved one’s care should be kept within the family or are hesitant to relinquish care to a stranger. However, respite care provides a vital service to help reduce the potential for caregiver burnout in family care providers. Here are a few things that can be expected from respite care:
- A caregiver or in-home aide will provide an established plan of care
- Family caregivers will be able to choose the services that their loved one needs most from the respite care provider – personal assistance, transportation, bathing or hygiene assistance, etc.
- The family caregiver will have time to take care of other errands and have time to rest while his or her loved one receives the care needed
Any questions or concerns may be discussed with the agency or caregiver chosen for respite care. They will be able to explain the specific services they provide and perhaps even provide a list of references.
Receiving Respite Care at Home:
Receiving respite care in the home can help family caregivers get the rest they need in order to be better caregivers. Respite care can also help patients who may be feeling frustrated with family care or who may just need a new person for companionship.
Aunt Ann’s Home Care has a staff of qualified, professional caregivers who can provide in-home respite care, with services including:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.)
- Housekeeping, transportation to and from appointments, etc.
- Home modifications
- Medication reminders
Talking to the Doctor:
When preparing to hire a caregiver for respite care for a loved one, families may have some questions for the physician in order to prepare the caregiver, the patient, and themselves, or even to just reassure themselves that respite care is indeed a good option. Some questions to ask include:
- Is it OK to allow a caregiver to administer medications?
- Should I have the respite caregiver meet with you to go over the care plan?
- What qualifications or experience should I look for when arranging a caregiver for respite care?
Services to Consider:
Respite caregivers can typically provide the same services that full time in-home caregivers can, just on the schedule that the family caregiver needs. At Aunt Ann’s Home Care, we can also provide emergency respite care when unforeseen circumstances arise. Through our experience in providing respite care, we have found that the following services are ones to consider:
- Personal care (bathing, dressing, grooming, etc.)
- Housekeeping, transportation to and from treatments, etc.
- Home modifications
- Medication reminders
At Aunt Ann’s Home Care, we can tailor a specific plan of respite care to meet each client’s individual needs.
Resources:
http://www.auntannshomecare.com/home-care-help-for-family-caregivers/
