Almost 20 percent of U.S households spend an average of 20-hours per week caring for an elderly parent or family member. Of these people, 80 percent find themselves providing unpaid care 7-days a week while also working a full-time job.
In-home caregiving can easily become a full-time and unpaid, labor of love.
We have some good news for you, this labor of love doesn’t need to be shouldered alone. Finding a licensed respite care provider is easy if you know what to look for. Read on to learn about the many benefits of hiring a licensed professional to provide in-home respite care.
What Is Respite Care?
Everyone needs a respite now and again.
A break from the duties of life to recharge. This is especially true for those who find themselves in caregiver roles for elderly parents or family members.
Respite care for the elderly is temporary, institutional care for your loved ones. Either in-home or at an off-site facility, for long or short-term stays. Both offer the caregiver a chance for a respite.
In-home respite care brings in a licensed, trained professional to assist you in those caregiving duties.
Do I Need In-Home Respite Care?
Love them or hate them, our parents are ours for life.
Perhaps, you’re among the growing number of people who are opting to keep elderly parents at home versus sending them to a home. It can absolutely be done in a way that is beneficial for you and your folks.
However, moving into a caregiver role can make it difficult to admit when we need help. The emotional and physical burden can exact a heavy toll, making it hard to see the forest through the trees.
Here are a few key things to look out for which may mean it’s time to call for professional help.
You No Longer Have Time for Yourself
In many instances, we don’t set out to become caregivers for elderly family members, it just sort of happens. One day they are able to care for themselves, a few days later they require around the clock care.
If you find yourself constantly having to cancel plans, make drastic changes in your schedule, or notice there aren’t enough hours in the day for all you need to do, it may be time to bring in professional help.
You Need to Be Away From Home
Whatever the reason many of us find there are periods where we are required to be away from the home. If you are playing the role of primary caregiver to a loved one it may be the perfect time to call in reinforcements.
Respite care services can help ensure your loved one is well cared for in your absence. Caregivers can provide their services in-home or at a care center.
If you find you need to leave town for a bit, hiring professional care is a great way to travel with peace of mind.
You Are Feeling Burned Out
Becoming a caregiver for an elderly family member will inevitably take a physical, mental, and emotional toll. It’s important to identify burnout before it becomes a problem.
Typical indicators can include irritability, mood swings, impatience, forgetfulness, and sleep disturbances. Identifying the symptoms early on gives you time to start looking into other care options.
Benefits of Respite Care
Each family circumstance is unique. Some may need respite care for an extended period while others may just need help after major surgery. Whatever your reasons, respite care can be tailored to fit your specific needs.
Here are some of the key benefits of obtaining professional respite care.
Specialized Care
While we may love our elderly family members, oftentimes we are not equipped to handle the special care they may require. Things like dementia, Alzheimer’s, and physical handicaps can be challenging to deal with.
This can put undue stress and strain on both parties. We want to help but can’t, they feel bad or confused. Hiring in-home respite care solves these problems.
Companionship
If your elderly family member is living with you, chances are they aren’t able to socialize much. As social creatures, humans need that interaction to feel our best.
In-home respite care can provide a level of companionship for both you and your loved one. The burden of care becomes shared and your loved one gets to interact with someone new on a regular basis.
Taking Care of You
Oftentimes caregivers neglect themselves while caring for others. Remember that burnout we mentioned? It’s real and it can be a problem.
Hiring professional help can open up more time to take care of yourself. Ultimately helping you to be more present in your own life and the lives of your family.
Cost and Types of Respite Care
There are three main types of respite care. Home-based, care facility-based, and community-based. The cost will depend on what type you choose, the work involved, and how often you use it.
Home-based Respite Care
This will bring a caregiver into your home, so you will want to ensure they are licensed and insured.
Costs will depend on how many hours or days of service you are looking for, and the extent of care required.
According to caring.com, national averages show people are paying $15 to $40 per hour for intermittent help, and $120 to $200 per day or more for live-in or intensive care.
Facility-Based Care
Places like nursing homes assisted living facilities or retirement communities that offer short-term respite stays. Either hourly, half-day, full-day, overnight, or extended basis.
On average these places run $100 to $250 per day, depending on what level of care is needed. Some places may have a required minimum number of nights or days to qualify as a respite stay.
Community-Based Care
This is basically adult daycare. A great option for caregivers needing daytime help. Average estimates range from $25 to $150 per day. Some offer sliding-scale fees and accept certain types of insurance coverage.
Get The Respite Care You Need Now
There are many reasons, and benefits, to choosing in-home respite care. Whether you just need a break or you no longer feel able to give your loved one the care they need, we are here to help at every step of the journey.
Our licensed and trained professionals are here to assist you with whatever you need today. Your family’s health and happiness is our utmost priority.
Contact us to learn more and discuss options for you and your loved one.
In Home Respite Care
