Respite Care: (res·pite care)

Temporary care of a dependent elderly, ill, or handicapped person, providing relief for their primary caregivers. 

Why is respite care so important?

Caregiving for aging loved ones can be a long term role, demanding exhausting amounts of time and energy from caregivers. It is important to recognize early on that nobody can offer consistent and quality care without breaks to rest and attend to other responsibilities.

Families often try to manage the care of an aging loved one themselves, first helping out occasionally, and then taking on more and more responsibility. However, most already have busy lives, and in many cases work and/or children demanding priority as well.

It’s important to recognize just how much time and energy caregiving can take, especially as abilities and needs of those in care change.

A healthier way to approach care of an aging loved one is to keep the family’s focus on the relationships of those involved. Everyone should have ample opportunity to visit and assist with care for seniors in the family without undue pressure to commit to a significant care role.

Should someone have the ability to take on more, a plan that involves respite care will ensure they can manage the role over the long term.

Example Care plan:

Respite Care: A carefully selected, certified caregiver (Angel) visits our client at his home three days a week on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Fridays for three to four hours a visit to assist with activities of daily living including toileting, dressing and bathing.  The Angel does light housekeeping, changes the bed sheets, runs errands, prepares healthy meals each visit, and provides joyful companionship and great conversation. The caregiver’s visit is reported on the Family Room portal for our client’s family to keep up with what’s happening in the home, from anywhere there is internet access.