Many caregivers find it hard to balance between providing care for their aging parents or relatives and taking care of their own needs. The role is both mentally and physically demanding. Most of these caregivers end up experiencing caregiver burnout without getting some relief and support because of the increased responsibilities. Are you taking care of a senior and the emotional and physical challenges are taking a toll on you?

This is where respite care services take center stage.

What is Respite Care?

Taking care of an aging or disabled loved one is a 24-hour job. Being a primary family caregiver is a highly stressful and demanding responsibility. Taking care of a senior, especially one who is sick can be overwhelming.

No one is fully equipped to take care of this responsibility without some help. Primary family caregivers also need attention and support to maintain their well-being and health.

Respite care services provide short-term relief for primary caregivers. These services include hiring a respite care provider to take care of your loved one by stepping in place to ensure the person being cared for has his or her needs met. The need for respite services has recently increased due to the additional pressures created by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Types of Respite Care Services

The main purpose of seeking respite care is to allow primary caregivers to take some time off from their responsibilities. Arrangements can be made with respite caregivers to provide their services in an agreed amount of time. It could be for a few hours a day, specific days in a week, or longer periods. There are different types of respite care services that are available, including:

In-home Respite Care

Some caregivers have to take care of other family responsibilities which limit the time they can fulfill their caregiving duties. This type of respite care allows you to hire a respite caregiver to meet specific needs your loved one requires when you are not available. It is also ideal for seniors who are reluctant to leave the comfort of their residential facilities.

The respite caregiver can do more than offer companion services, including general housekeeping chores, running errands, personal care services, and preparing meals. If your loved one requires special attention due to an illness, you have the option of seeking skilled care services that include skilled nurses.

Respite Live-in Care

Respite live-in care is ideal for family members who work for long hours and have loved ones who require round-the-clock care. This type of respite care service allows a professional caregiver to move into your home to provide care all day and night in case of an emergency. While residential respite care may cost more than other types of respite care services, it is ideal for seniors who require constant supervision.

 Adult Day Care Services

This type of respite service allows seniors to visit a local adult day care center for a specific amount of time to give the primary caregiver some time off from their responsibilities. It is ideal for seniors who want to socialize with their peers and also offers them the opportunity to spend time in a different environment from home. There are additional services your loved one can enjoy while in a daycare center such as podiatry and hairdressing.

Respite Care in Assisted Living Facilities

This type of respite care is ideal for primary caregivers who are looking for an extended break from their responsibilities. Assisted living facilities or nursing homes are well equipped to handle different respite care needs.

The staff in such facilities consists of respite care providers and professional medical staff to ensure seniors are safe and comfortable during their stay. If you choose this type of respite care, ensure your loved one is comfortable with the decision.

Why Respite Care is ‘Win-Win’ for Primary Caregivers and Their Loved Ones

Taking care of a loved one is a rewarding experience. However, having to care for someone full-time can be challenging. To provide full care means you have to neglect some of your personal needs and not be able to take some time off for personal revitalization. Respite care for the seniors is vital for family caregivers for several reasons, including:

Socialization: Primary caregivers often suffer from social isolation. Having a respite caregiver taking care of your loved one can help you take some time off to engage in social activities with family and friends. Having some extra time to yourself is important for your social well-being and personal enjoyment.

Keep things in perspective: To be a better caregiver, one has to prioritize what is important for both the caregiver and the aging loved one. Taking time from caregiving helps you to keep things in perspective by focusing on how to tap into other resources to help you become a better caregiver.

Keep your identity: It is easy to lose the sense of oneself when your life revolves around taking care of others. Respite workers allow you to take time to care for yourself to maintain your identity and self-worth.

Enjoy life: Life is not all about work. As a primary caregiver, you have the right to enjoy your life. Respite care allows you to engage in enjoyable activities knowing that your loved one is under the best care. Knowing your loved one is in good hands also allows you to have peace of mind.

Rejuvenate: Everyone needs some time off from their normal routine to renew their sense of purpose and relax. Taking the much-needed break even for a few hours also helps you re-energize so that you can fulfill your responsibilities effectively.

Better health: Respite care allows primary caregivers to take care of their emotional, mental, and physical needs for better health. Being in a stressful environment without proper relaxation and renewal can lead to illnesses. Additionally, with better health, you are better equipped to take care of your loved one.

Respite Care Cost

Services provided by respite caregivers are charged by the hour. In some cases, respite service providers charge by the number of days or weeks. Normally, the primary caregiver has to pay for the services from their pockets or other funding sources since most insurance plans do not cover such costs.

Recently, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, adult daycare centers continue to update their policies and services to comply with the CDC and state department of health guidelines. You need to consult a reputable respite provider for more information on their policies. The ARCH National Respite Network can also provide more information about respite care and help you find companion services in your community.

Why Choose Caring for Portland for your Respite Care

At Caring for Portland, we offer in-home care to the disabled and elderly in Portland, Oregon. We understand that primary caregivers need to take a break from their caregiving responsibilities now and then for their good without having to worry about their loved ones.

That is why we have a team of respite caregivers who are more than happy to help loved ones feel loved and cared for at all times. Our services range from companion support to medication assistance to home-keeping to give families peace of mind that their loved ones are safe and secure. Each client is matched with the right caregiver to get personalized care according to their needs.

For more information about our respite care services, visit us at 4800 SW Griffith Dr. Ste 215 Beaverton, OR 97005, or call 503-836-3909 today!