What Is Respite Care?

At Care Options for Kids, we understand it’s a gift to take care of your mom, dad, or other loved ones when they need you. They’ve taken care of you, it’s nice to be able to return the favor.

But being the primary caregiver to a loved one can also take a toll on you emotionally, physically, psychologically, and financially. After all, you need to take care of yourself, too. Not to mention any other family you might have.

Respite care is there to step in and take care of your loved one so you can take a break, relax, and do the things you’ve been wanting to do but haven’t had time for.

Learn more about what respite care is, why it might be right for you, the different forms it comes in, how long it is, and when it might be necessary.

Our hope is that anyone who might benefit from respite care understands it better because of this post.

4 Benefits of Respite Care

We know that overall it’s a joy to take care of your loved ones, but sometimes you need a break. You’re not alone. Everyone does. And that’s where respite care comes in.

Some benefits of respite care include:

1. Care Continuity

Vetted and trained respite caregivers you can trust are out there. We at Care Options for Kids offer them. And they can help provide professional care to your loved one. Then when you’re rested after respite care, you’re able to step back in refreshed and ready to care for your loved one when you are not able to.

2. You have help when you need it most

Life moves fast. And it can be especially hard to keep up when you’re the primary caregiver for a loved one. But with respite care, you’ll be freed up to do the things you need to do, all the while knowing your loved one is well taken care of.

3. Improve your emotional and physical health

Taking care of your loved one can be hard on you emotionally, physically, and psychologically. But your health in those areas are vital. After all, to best take care of your loved one, you need to be healthy as well.

4. Sustain relationships

According to the National Respite Network and Resource Center, respite care may reduce the likelihood of divorce and help sustain marriages. It can also help you maintain strong relationships with family and friends who can provide ongoing support to you as a primary caregiver.

Different Types of Respite Care

There are two primary types of respite care available to you. They are:

In-home respite care: This is a very popular option among clients at Care Options for Kids. In fact, it’s what we at Care Options for Kids provide. The respite caregiver comes to the home of your loved one who needs care. That way they’re in the comfort of the environment they’re used to. The respite caregiver learns where things are like medication, what routines your loved one goes by, and any medical or non-medical care your loved one needs.

Out-of-home respite care: This type of respite care includes any type of temporary care that takes place away from home. This might mean in a specialized medical facility, emergency respite, adult day care, or respite homes.

When Is Respite Care Right for Me?

According to The Family Caregiver Alliance, 17% of caregivers in the U.S. feel their own health has deteriorated as a result of their caregiving responsibilities. Not to mention that studies repeatedly show higher levels of depressive symptoms and mental health problems among caregivers than people who aren’t caregivers. It’s perfectly normal to need a break.

If you’ve been caring for a loved one, you may want to give respite care a try because it can help with your own health and wellbeing.

Respite care allows you as the primary caregiver to do many things. After all, you have more time to do them. Some of the things our clients at Care Options for Kids are able to do because of respite care include:

• Running errands
• Rest and catch up on sleep
• Take care of work
• Travel with family or for work
• Exercise and meditate
• Go out to dinner with friends
• And much more

Contact Care Options for Kids for In-Home Respite Care

If you or someone you care about is the primary caregiver for a loved one in need, respite care may be right for you.

Call (888) 592-5855 or schedule your free in-home assessment today.

Sources
https://archrespite.org/caregiver-resources/
https://www.assistedliving.org/respite-care/