Consider This Scenario

John and Sara are a loving couple who have been blessed with two wonderful children, Mary and Liam. Their vibrant family is further enriched by the presence of John’s parents, Bob and Liz, who have become an integral part of their household. Bob and Liz, now in their late 80s, have been living with the family for several years, creating a close-knit family unit that cherishes the joys and responsibilities that come with multi-generational living.

However, as time has passed, the Johnson family has noticed the increasing toll that caregiving responsibilities have taken on everyone. John and Sara both work full-time jobs, and their children have demanding school schedules. They deeply value the time they spend with Bob and Liz but recognize the need to strike a good work-life-caregiving balance. Ensuring the best care for Bob and Liz remains paramount to the family.

LivWell Seniors knows caring for our elderly loved ones can be a rewarding experience, but it can also be physically and emotionally challenging for families. Continue reading this insightful article from a valuable member of our Caring Network to learn more about how respite care can help families like the Johnsons.

Everyone needs a break. Respite care provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving, while the person living with Alzheimer’s continues to receive care in a safe environment. Using respite services can support and strengthen your ability to be a caregiver.

Using Respite Care

Respite care can help you as a caregiver by providing a new environment or time to relax. It’s a good way for you to take time for yourself.

Respite care can provide:

• A chance to spend time with other friends and family, or to just relax.
• Time to take care of errands such as shopping, exercising, getting a haircut or going to the doctor.
• Comfort and peace of mind knowing that the person with dementia is spending time with another caring individual.

Respite care services can give the person with dementia an opportunity to:

• Interact with others having similar experiences.
• Spend time in a safe, supportive environment.
• Participate in activities designed to match personal abilities and needs.

Types of Respite Care

Respite care can be provided at home – by a friend, other family member, volunteer, or paid service – or in a care setting, such as adult day care or long-term care community.

In-home care services offer a range of options including:

• Companion services to the individual with companionship and supervised activities.
• Personal care or home health aide services to provide assistance with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising.
• Homemaker or maid services to help with laundry, shopping and preparing meals.
• Skilled care services to help with medication and other medical services.

Adult day centers offer a place where the person with Alzheimer’s can be with others in a safe environment. Staff leads planned activities, such as music and art programs. Transportation and meals are often provided.

Long-term care communities may offer the option for a stay overnight, for a few days or a few weeks. Overnight care allows caregivers to take an extended break or vacation while the person with dementia stays in a supervised, safe environment. The cost for these services varies and is usually not covered by insurance or Medicare.

Tip: Sometimes, a person with dementia may have difficulty adjusting to a new environment. Regular stays can allow the overall adjustment to become easier.

Overcoming Concerns

It’s normal to be apprehensive about trying something new. Common concerns caregivers have about using respite care include:

Cost: You may be concerned about how to pay for services. Look into financial assistance such as scholarships, sliding scale fees or government programs. Contact your local Alzheimer’s Association to learn what kind of financial assistance may be available.

Reliability: You may be concerned about the dependability of the aide or service. Those who work for an agency or care community should be reliable and well trained and are often certified. Ask each individual and care setting about training and qualifications. If hiring someone independently, interview the person thoroughly and check references.

Guilt: You may believe that you should be able to “do it all.” Seeking help does not make you a failure. It’s important to remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.

LivWell Seniors wishes to emphasize that you are not alone. Please feel free to reach out by clicking the phone icon located at the bottom right of the app to connect with a senior resource specialist who can help you explore respite options.