As people age, their family members usually take on the responsibility of managing their long-term care. For those who don’t have the time to take up the role on their own, this means making the practical and necessary decision to hire a caregiver. In other cases, the relatives who can dedicate themselves to the role become primary caregivers.
Those who have ever taken on this responsibility full-time understand that providing in-home care for your senior loved ones is usually a lot of work. Thankfully, there’s an option you can consider when you need a break, and it’s called respite care. Use this blog as your guide to understanding what it entails.
What is Respite Care?
According to the National Institute on Aging, respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. The timeframe can range from a few hours to days or weeks. This type of care can be provided in your homes, at care centers or assisted living facilities.
Is Respite Care Necessary?
For a couple of hours, your loved ones can stay on their own or be cared for by a family member. However, in cases where your loved one is ill, suffers from a serious health condition or requires 24-hour assistance, respite care is your best option. It will also give you peace of mind knowing that your family member will receive quality care from a trained professional while you’re away.
On the other hand, consider how you feel as a caregiver. Taking time away is easier when you know you have to work, travel or go to appointments. At the same time, there may also be instances when you feel tired or overwhelmed and need a break to recharge. That’s nothing that should cause you to feel selfish or worried. Not only will you be doing what’s best for you, but you’d be doing the same for your loved ones by ensuring that you can continue to care for them adequately.
What Services Are Provided?
Many services are provided in respite care. While these may vary among agencies and facilities, typical services include the following:
Companionship
Assistance with daily hygiene tasks such as bathing and dressing
Medicine management
Help with exercising
Meal preparation
Opportunities to socialize with other seniors
Assistance for those with limited mobility
Finding Respite Care
Entrusting the care of your loved ones to someone else, even a trained professional, can be challenging. Put your mind at ease by ensuring you do adequate research, including reading reviews when selecting a provider for respite care so you’re comfortable with your choice.
Additionally, you can also ask for the following information and details:
Proof of credentials and licenses
The types of services offered
Procedures in place in case of an emergency
Limits regarding the length of stay
The possibility of getting a tour of the facilities in advance
Information regarding booking such as payment options, how far in advance to book etc.
Evaluation for selecting caregivers
Elder Care in Las Vegas
If you’re looking for a reliable agency to provide in-home health care, Comfort Seekers of Las Vegas is the right choice. We offer a range of senior care services and home assistance and have a team of experienced and compassionate caregivers to help you and your family.
If you want to learn more about our respite care services, call us at (702) 381-1570 to set up your free, no-obligation consultation. We’d be happy to help!
