As the primary caregiver for a senior loved one, you “make time” for a lot. A typical day could include managing medications, doctor appointments, food preparation, helping Mom or Dad dress, grocery shopping, housekeeping—the list goes on!
But when was the last time you made time for yourself? You’ve likely spent time thinking about it, and you may have even talked to your spouse and children about where you could vacation this summer. The problem is, how can you leave your senior loved one? The solution: Medical respite care.
What Is Medical Respite Care?
Medical respite care is temporary substitute care to give caregivers like you a break, and a chance to do what you want or need to do. It can be provided at assisted living and skilled nursing communities, or in your own home. The break can be a few hours or a few weeks. It depends on how long you will be gone, the needs of your loved one, and how he or she may react to a temporary change in location, human assistance or both.
Assisted living communities offer safe, comfortable and professional care that can include assistance with activities of daily living like bathing, dressing, eating, medication management and transportation to medical appointments, as well as activities for their residents. Your loved one will stay in an apartment with trained staff available. Some communities have secure memory care neighborhoods , which provide additional safety measures for those seniors who may be in the early stages of dementia.
When planning for your loved one’s care, respite or otherwise, it is wise to visit some assisted living or skilled nursing communities to get a sense of the environment. Watch some activities and meet the staff that would be caring for your senior. And, if the senior is open to it, take them along so they will be more comfortable with the situation.
In-home care services can provide much of what’s available through respite care at a senior living community, and this enables your senior to remain in the familiar surroundings of their home. Services can also include housekeeping, laundry help, grocery shopping and running errands.
Professional medical respite care services, whether at an assisted living, skilled nursing community or in the home, can provide a customized care plan for your senior loved one. It’s not all up to you!
Preparing for Medical Respite Care
Explain to your senior what respite care is and why you are utilizing it. Make it clear you are not tired of them, but just need some time to refresh yourself so that you will be energized upon your return and ready to be the best caregiver possible.
Make sure the medical respite care program you select is licensed in your state. Obtain a list of all the services that will be provided, and note any special training the caregivers may have. Also, ask how far in advance you need to schedule the respite care stay.
Prepare a checklist for the respite care staff that includes a list of medications, medical conditions, allergies and therapies needed, as well as contact information for yourself and your loved one’s physician. Also, inform staff of the senior’s preferences, likes and dislikes, and personal history. (Assisted living or skilled nursing communities and professional in-home services organizations should ask you for this information before care begins.)
A Much-Needed Break or Vacation as a Family Caregiver
The benefits of reconnecting with your spouse, children and yourself on a relaxing and energizing vacation are vital to your physical and emotional health and will improve the care you can provide to your senior loved one when you return.
Below are some of the signs of “caregiver burnout.” Before you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time to take a break:
- Trouble sleeping
- Poor eating habits
- Headaches and stomach aches
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
- Constant fatigue
- Short temper
- Frequent illness
- Easily frustrated
Many family caregivers are in the “sandwich generation”—that group of middle-aged parents who feel the stress of raising their own children while caring for their parents at the same time. It takes its toll on you, even though you might not be fully aware of it. Remember, the state of your own health affects the health of your senior loved one.
In addition, you may find your senior enjoyed a change of pace, a new environment, and the people they met while in respite care.
So don’t feel guilty—leaving a senior loved one in medical respite care may be the best thing for everyone. And try not to obsess about what is happening back home while you are on the trip. While you are away physically, do your best to also get away mentally and emotionally to recharge and boost your mental health.
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