Download This Article
The gift of time. That’s what many caregivers need and want, and what respite care offers them. Indeed, among the 50 million individuals in America who take care of a loved one in the home, respite care is the service most often requested. These caregivers recognize that without an occasional reprieve from their duties, they may jeopardize their own wellbeing and find themselves unable to continue caregiving. Knowing what respite care can provide, and what resources are available for accessing it, can have a hugely positive impact.
What Is Respite Care?
Caring in the home for a person with disability from multiple sclerosis can be an all-consuming commitment. Respite care is a service that provides a temporary break to the caregiver. It is generally used for short-term relief, but it can also cover extended periods such as 1 or more nights or even a vacation.
Besides the general gift of time, respite care can help the caregiver and family sustain by providing time to relax; to enjoy favorite pastimes and activities; to better handle daily responsibilities and crises; to prevent some of the pressures that lead to divorce, neglect, or institutionalization; and to maintain work commitments outside of the home. Respite care also offers fresh companionship for the loved one and peace of mind in knowing that the loved one is in caring hands.
Types of Respite Care
There are numerous types of respite care, but the 2 main categories are in-home and out-of-home respite. The mainstay of in-home respite is informal care volunteered by family and friends. This resource may sound ideal and feasible, but sharing responsibilities is not always easy for family members who may already be stressed by the caregiving situation. The primary caregiver should encourage open and regular discussions about current needs, pressures, and emotions. E-mail and Web-based programs, such as www.carepages.com (where the caregiver can create a site dedicated to the loved one), can be a great help for communicating needs to family outside the immediate household.
Beyond family and friends, outside respite caregivers can visit the home to provide sitter-companion services, meant for supervision, entertainment, or conversation with the loved one; homemaker services, to assist with cleaning, meal preparation, or shopping; personal care services, to help the loved one dress, bathe, go to the bathroom, or exercise; and skilled care services, for help with medical care and administering medicines. Caregivers offering these services can be employed privately or secured through an agency, government program, local civic or church group, or other organization.
Out-of-home respite care may take the form of adult day-care centers, which can combat isolation and loneliness with planned activities and a cheerful atmosphere, as well as provide meals and medical assistance. The centers are generally available every weekday—an important feature for primary caregivers who must keep a daytime job. Another out-of-home option is residential respite care. Residential programs, based at group homes, hospitals, nursing homes and other specialized centers, provide 24-hour respite care for a few days or several weeks, allowing the primary caregiver to take an extended break. Residential facilities and adult day care centers can also provide emergency care if the caregiver has an accident or must travel on short notice.
Finding and Funding Respite Care
It may take time and diligence to find the right respite care. Many agencies and organizations have information on respite services (see below). State and community councils, online registries, and newspaper ads may also offer respite resources.
Financing respite care is a concern, but need not prevent a caregiver from taking a break. The cost of respite care will vary with the type and duration of help the caregiver is seeking. Many respite programs operate with the support of public funding or donations, while others charge fees on a sliding scale. Almost all state-funded programs take into account family income. For specific components of care, such as medical services at an adult day-care center, public and private insurers may provide coverage. Some programs may be offered through churches, schools, and other nonprofit foundations and societies. For the caregiver in need of respite, the right level of help and cost can bring greater returns in the form of renewed energy, outlook, and commitment to the caregiving relationship.
Resources for Respite Care
