What is Respite Care, and How Do I Find One Near Me?

Despite having plenty of senior residential options available, more and more families opted to provide care and support for their aging loved ones. This decision often has numerous rewarding benefits both for the senior and the caregiving family member. 

But like everything else, this setup can also have its downside, especially if the line between caregiving duties and taking care of yourself becomes blurry. 

If you are one of the many caregivers who experiences caregiver burnout, then you will be glad to know about the existence of a program called respite care.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care refers to the temporary transfer of caregiving duties from one caregiver to another professional caregiver. This type of arrangement is made to give caregivers their well-deserved, albeit short-term, break from their duties and responsibilities without compromising the welfare of their senior patient or loved one.

Respite care programs offer different kinds of services based on a senior’s level of care. This arrangement can last for just an afternoon, an entire week, and even months to years. Some of the care services offered by the best respite care providers include:

• Assistance with daily living activities.
• Supportive care and primary medical needs, such as medication management.
• 24/7 supervision and companionship.
• Basic home tasks like laundry and simple errands.
• Preparing and cooking meals.
• Transportation (e.g., driving a senior to their doctor’s appointment.)

Respite care has multiple benefits to a physically and mentally exhausted caregiver and the senior as well. But their primary goal is to bring relief, reduce stress, and give the caregiver a chance to take care of themselves.

How To Find a Suitable Respite Care Provider?

There are a few types of respite care, so the first order of business is to find out what kind is suitable for your situation and your senior’s needs. Then, find a provider through these four options:

• Recommendations or Help from Family Members - Ask among your friends and family members for recommendations. Loved ones may also be able to relieve you from your caregiving duties if your senior loved one does not need intensive care.

• Senior Living Database - Some senior living websites, such as My Living Choice, feature an online senior living directory where you can research different residential and caregiving options for seniors, including the best respite care. Their massive database covers plenty of senior communities in a number of cities and areas.

• Home Care Agency - Another way to look for a respite care provider is through the help of home care agencies. They serve as the middleman between you and another professional caregiver who can take care of your senior loved one for a specific amount of time.

• Independent Respite Provider - if you know a respite care provider, you can contact them independently and make your arrangements. You can negotiate and pay them directly, thus avoiding costly agency fees.

Take care of your senior loved one better by taking good care of your physical and mental well-being.