We have frequently reported on the mixed bag that is family caregiving. Some report finding it fulfilling, while others find it cognitively, physically, and emotionally exhausting — or some combination of all these emotions. While sometimes difficult on a logistical level, it’s crucial that family caregivers also take care of themselves, which can include determining the ways to get a break from their caregiving duties. Let’s look at some of the respite care solutions such as adult day care, temporary respite stays in long-term care communities, and others.
What is respite care?
Respite care is the general term applied to a temporary reprieve for unpaid caregivers — from a few hours to a few weeks. This kind of care can be delivered in-home, within an adult day care environment, or in an assisted living or skilled nursing care center. Depending on the situation, it could be paid care or unpaid.
Enabling a family caregiver to still work, get appointments, or have some much-needed “me time” to spend with other loved ones or friends, respite care may enable caregivers to have some sense of normalcy or recharge their own mental and physical battery.
Adult day care
An adult day care program is a useful option for family caregivers who must continue working during the day, have appointments to see during the day, or simply need a respite. They provide the participant with suitable care as well as recreational activities, social interaction, and companionship, all of which can be highly advantageous to the care recipient. These programs usually are open on regular weekday business hours, and many offer transportation to and from the program.
In general, there are two forms of adult day care:
Adult social day care offers a range of social activities and recreation activities, meals, and some minor health-related services, if necessary (e.g., medication management).
Adult day health care offers social and recreation activities, along with more intensive health and therapeutic services for participants with more complex medical needs.
The cost of an adult day care program can vary from location to location and depending on the person’s specific care needs. You might pay anywhere from $25 to over $100 per day, depending on the program’s services and its geographic location.
Respite care in long-term care facilities
Some long-term care residential communities also provide short-term respite care stays. These residential respite care programs can be located in an assisted living or memory care community, hospital, nursing home, or other specialized facility, depending on the needs of the care recipient. They can provide family caregivers with a scheduled respite or crisis assistance for one night through several weeks.
The price of a short-term respite care stay in a long-term care facility can differ greatly based on the type of care required, the facility, and the geographic area.
Though Medicare and the majority of private medical insurance will not cover overnight respite care, some long-term care insurance policies, veterans’ programs, and Medicaid will subsidize the cost of this specialized form of care. If the care recipient is receiving hospice care, though, Medicare will pay for part of the expense of up to five consecutive days of respite care in a Medicare-approved hospital or skilled nursing facility. In any of these situations, the care recipient and his or her family will be responsible for paying any expenses not covered by insurance or other help programs.
In-home respite care options
Some individuals like to arrange respite care that permits the care recipient to stay in the home. This can be appealing if the care recipient has severe mobility impairment, but potentially will also keep the individual comfortable in a known environment. In certain cases, it could be one of the less expensive respite care alternatives as well.
There are agencies that can provide paid in-home caregivers who have been trained, for anything from a few hours up to several weeks, so that a family caregiver can have the break they desperately need. Depending on the care needed by the care recipient, the expense of such in-home respite care can quickly begin to accumulate, though.
If money is a problem, family caregivers can also request assistance from another member of their family or request a friend if they could help. Naturally, every circumstance is unique, but for most situations, individuals know the pressures of family caregiving and the requirement for respite; they will more than likely be willing to assist if asked.
Other care alternatives to provide respite for family caregivers
Family caregivers need to keep in mind that their own health and well-being are as vital as that of their care recipient. Just as the flight attendant tells you to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others, unpaid caregivers should take a break so they can recharge their own battery during what can be a stressful time.
Other than the respite care choices described previously, there are some communities that offer free or low-cost community- or faith-based respite care choices. These could be on-site programs at a senior center or at a house of worship. Cooperative respite care programs can also be found in more rural communities where families with similar caregiving requirements alternate in helping each other in an effort to gain breaks.