Of course, you want to do your best to take care of your elderly loved one, but have you given any thought to the importance of taking care of yourself during this challenging time? Research shows that the pressures placed on family caregivers give them a higher risk of developing depression, anxiety, and burnout. Caregivers need temporary breaks from their caregiving duties to provide themselves with a chance to refresh their minds and bodies. One way to accomplish this is through respite care.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care takes all of those caregiving tasks off your hands for a while so that you have time to recharge your batteries. A temporary caregiver takes over for you and helps with a variety of caregiving tasks such as:
Assisting with personal care, such as toileting, bathing, dressing, and exercising.
Assisting with household tasks, such as shopping, preparing meals, and laundry.
Administering medication and any other needed medical services and keeping doctor’s appointments.
Acting as a companion to your loved one and supervising appropriate activities
While a “care angel” takes over the care of your loved one, you’ll have the opportunity to do all those things you have been too busy to attend to – sleep in an extra hour or so in the mornings, catch up on your personal to-do list, take a day trip or even an extended vacation. Respite care can be arranged for just an afternoon or several days or weeks.
Overcoming Guilt About Respite Care
Many caregivers believe that they should be able to “do it all.” But, seeking help does not turn you into a failure. It’s essential to keep in mind that you want nothing but the best for your family member, and you will find it increasingly difficult to provide the best if you are worn out and exhausted all the time. So, look upon taking a break as beneficial for both of you.
Does Insurance Cover Respite Care?
Unfortunately, most insurance plans do not cover the cost of short-term respite care, but there may be long-term care insurance programs that fit your needs. Medicare coverage for respite care is generally only available to those patients receiving care in a hospice inpatient facility, nursing home, or hospital. As for Medicaid, each state administers the program differently, but you may be eligible for home and community-based services (HCBS) waivers. Also, look for local programs such as this one run by the New York Foundation for Senior Citizens.
Who Provides In-Home Respite Care?
In-home respite care is provided by home care providers like Caring Healthcare in Columbia, South Carolina. You can rely on our in-home caregivers to be reliable, dependable, and well trained. So, if you live in the area, talk to us about hiring a temporary caregiver and give yourself that respite that you so richly deserve.
