Forms of Respite Care Services for Your Loved One

Posted on: 14 September 2021

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If you have a family member who is terminally ill or has a chronic illness, you may be their primary caregiver. This means you are with them a large percentage, if not all, of the time. This type of caregiving can cause you to burn out quickly. If you feel you are reaching burn out then respite care may be an option. Respite care is a form of healthcare designed to give primary caregivers a break. Here are some ways that a respite care service provider can help you. 

Overnight Sitter

One of the most popular respite care services is overnight sitting. This may mean sitting with your family member overnight at a hospital, nursing home, assisted living, or in their home. The overnight sitter service allows you to rest while the sitter cares for your loved one. This care may be toileting your loved one, providing companionship if your loved one has nighttime anxiety, providing food for your loved one during the night, or the care may be medication management. In the morning, the respite caregiver will go home and return on the next night they are needed. 

Half-Day Companion Care

There are times when you may have weekly tasks to take care of. These tasks may be grocery shopping, doctor's appointments, or just time for you to step away for a few hours. You can request the respite service caregiver to arrive during these scheduled times. While you are away, they will care for your loved one. This care can range from simple companionship to full care if necessary. You may also want your loved one to have meals during the time you are away. You can either provide the meals with instructions or you can have the caregiver make meals based on your loved one's request. 

Vacation Caregiving

You may have your daily schedule covered, but going on vacation or for a business trip may be more difficult. If you are facing this issue then respite care may be ideal. Respite care services can provide round-the-clock care during your trip. They can be a temporary live-in caregiver to offer your loved one ongoing needs or they can work with another caregiver to provide two 12 hours shifts giving 24-hour coverage for your loved one's care. 

These are just a few of the ways a respite care service provider can help you avoid burnout. If you are ready to move forward with this option, contact your local respite or home health provider. They can match you with the right care provider and work around you and your loved one's needs and routine. The home health or respite provider can also answer your questions regarding care, scheduling, and related matters as well.