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We just can’t do it all, even though we may want to. The demands of caring for another can be both rewarding and challenging. And because family caregivers make up a critical and very large part of our long-term care system (1 in 4 Americans currently care for another) they deserve as much support as possible.

That support comes in many forms, both informal (i.e. a helpful comment from a friend) and formal. One such formal support is respite care – time off – which allows caregivers a break and opportunity to have time for themselves. Some popular options are detailed below:  

Adult Day Services
Adult Day services (ADS) are community-based group programs designed to meet the needs of functionally and/or cognitively impaired adults through an individual plan of care. Care recipients attends a program during the day and receives supervision and stimulation.

Some facilities are even equipped to assist with bathing and hygiene. The service may be covered through a Council on Aging program, the VA or private pay.

COA-contracted Adult Day Service Centers

In-home respite
A home health aide visits the home to be with and engage care recipients for a pre-determined length of time. Keep in mind, not all agencies are the same and not all aides have experience working with someone with cognitive deficits. When using in-home respite, it’s important that caregivers assure the assigned aide is comfortable providing this type of care.

Inpatient respite
A care recipient temporarily receives care in an approved care facility. This is helpful if a caregiver requires surgery, or wants to take a vacation. NOTE: To be eligible for inpatient respite through a COA program, a caregiver must be caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease or related neurological disorder.

Both in-home and Inpatient respite care may be part of a COA program.

No matter the type of respite care that fits your circumstances, it is critical for caregivers to have some type of support. “Caregiving is more difficult than most people think, says Anna Goubeaux, COA’s Caregiver Support Nurse. “Respite is one way of getting a break and recharging yourself to continue providing the excellent care both you and your loved ones deserve. It’s like putting the oxygen mask on yourself in the airplane, so you can take care of the person next to you”

Related:

• COA’s Caregiver Support Program provides one-on-one support for family or volunteer caregivers.
• What is respite care? | National Institute on Aging
• Adult day care option returns to Clinton County