About this topic
A serious illness can cause many changes in your loved ones life. Your loved one may not be able to work and their body may not work in the same way as before. These things can lead to changes in how they feel. It can change daily activities for both you and your loved one. Some illnesses or injuries may cause changes that last for weeks, months, or even years. Caring for someone can be very stressful. As well as helping, you also need to take care of yourself. ‚
Respite care is care given by someone other than the normal caregiver. This lets the normal caretaker have a break and be relieved of some of the burdens of caregiving. Respite care can be for a short time, like a few hours, or a whole day. It can also last for a weekend, or longer. Respite care can be just one time or it may happen on a routine schedule. This time away gives you, the caregiver, time to yourself. ‚
Respite care is designed for families who have a loved one with special needs. Families have a chance to relax and renew their energy and sense of humor while their loved one is in respite care. Peace of mind is important knowing your loved one is being well cared for. Time away helps you, the caregiver, deal with crisis and difficult times. It lets you keep your own identity as a person and still grow and develop your own interests. ‚
General
There are a few kinds of respite care. Together with your loved one and doctor, talk about the one that works best for you. ‚
- Adult Day Care ¢ ˆ ’ This is most often a daytime program that cares for your loved one. It lets you work or do other things and know your loved one is being cared for.
- Informal Respite Care ¢ ˆ ’ You may have help from other family members, friends, neighbors, etc. They stay with your loved one while you are able to spend some time away from your caregiving duties.
- Companion Care ¢ ˆ ’ This is often an elder companion who is able to be with your loved one when you are not there. The companion may help cook meals or do light housekeeping. The companion may shop for groceries or run errands. The most important thing is the time they spend with your loved one.
- In-home or skilled respite care ¢ ˆ ’ This is a more formal service. A caregiver may help your loved one with personal care like taking a bath, getting dressed, or exercise. The caregiver may also spend time with and talk to your loved one. The caregiver may give drugs or help with health care.
Planning for the future can be important for you and your loved one. Here are a few tips about respite care that may help: ‚
Find someone to help you before you are overwhelmed. ‚
- Ask family or friends to help. Be specific about what you need.
- Check insurance and local governments to see if respite care is available or covered.
- Call groups connected to your loved ones condition. Look for places like the American Lung Association, Diabetes Association, United Cerebral Palsy, or Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.
- Think about using a nursing home or assisted living facility. Talk with your doctor for suggestions for respite care.
- Check your respite caregiver's references.
Make a list of what needs to be done to give care to your loved one. ‚
- It may help to make a schedule and list things your loved one likes
- Include a list of drugs your loved one takes:
- The times and how often that your loved one takes them
- If the drugs are taken with or without food
- Any major side effects to watch for
- Any troubles your loved one has with taking drugs, like problems swallowing
- Include phone numbers of doctors, home equipment companies, and other emergency numbers
- Train your respite caregiver. Have them help you give care. Then perhaps have them give care while you are nearby, before planning a longer time away.
- Reassure your loved one this is just for a short time.
Understand that you need to care for yourself to care for someone else. ‚
- Try to eat a healthy diet, exercise, and get plenty of rest. This can be a challenge when caring for someone. Make sure you get routine check-ups and take your own drugs as well.
- Make an effort to keep up your own social group and personal support. Talk with close friends about your loved one. Let them know that their concern is appreciated.
- Know that it is normal to feel sad, upset, or not to be patient sometimes. Do your best. If you are worried that you may harm yourself or your loved one, call your doctor right away.
What will the results be?
You will be more likely to avoid burnout. Taking time for you is a normal part of caring for someone. It may help to lower your stress level. Using respite care may also lower your chances of having low mood or other health problems. You may be better able to handle your responsibilities after a short break. ‚
Helpful tips
Find a support group for people who are in a like situation. Talking with others can help you better understand and cope with your feelings. If you cannot go to a support group in person, look for one that meets online. ‚
Where can I learn more?
Alzheimers Association ‚
http://www.alz.org/national/documents/aa_brochure_stressrelief.pdf ‚
Arch National Respite Network and Resource Center ‚
http://archrespite.org/consumer-information ‚
Department of Health and Human Services ‚
http://www.eldercare.gov/ELDERCARE.NET/Public/Resources/Factsheets/Respite_Care.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚