5 Benefits of Using Respite Care to Take a Break

Five of the best times to use respite care include post-injury, after a hospital-stay, for short-term rehab, during a crisis, and simply when the primary caregiver needs a break.Respite care is something that can benefit both seniors and caregivers by providing a back-up resource to use during times of crisis or emergency. This typically involves short-term stays in assisted living facilities with the main goal of returning home once convalescence is complete.  Senior Living Experts can help make finding the right respite care easier by providing comprehensive information based on distinct needs, which helps to narrow-down the field and point consumers in the right direction. But what actually warrants respite care?

Five of the best times to use respite care are:

To recover from an accident or injury

Respite care is an option for short term recovery following an accident or injury. Nearly one-fourth of all seniors over the age of 65 take a nasty tumble each year in this country, and over 800,000 are hospitalized for injuries related to their fall. Insurance doesn’t often pay for extended stays in hospital settings, and many seniors may fear returning home too soon. Respite provides a step-down in skilled nursing care, that can be just enough to help the senior recuperate and rehabilitate before going home.

Post-hospitalization recovery

Beyond accidents and falls, seniors may want or need some extra assistance before returning home after any hospital stay. This gives seniors a chance to regain lost strength, rest, and relax. It can also give caregivers the opportunity to prepare for seniors returning home. Whether this be to line up healthcare services or to stock-up on groceries, it can make the transition for seniors and loved ones easier and less-stressful.

Short-term rehabilitation

Respite may be ordered by physicians or surgeons for short-term rehabilitation after a hip or knee replacement. Approximately, seven-million people in the US have had a hip or knee replacement surgery, and it takes time to get back to full-mobility afterward. In fact, a total hip replacement usually takes six-months to recover from, and that is without taking co-occurring medical conditions or risks into account. Respite provides a safe setting for seniors recuperating, without the hazards and temptations to do too much when recovering at home.

Unsafe living conditions

Some reasons to utilize respite care have nothing to do with a medical issue, but rather to provide a safe place to stay when an emergency has made your home unsafe or uninhabitable. This includes homes that lack adequate accommodations for the individual living there. There are also programs that respite workers may be able to network with to improve home conditions and create a safer, healthier environment for the senior.

To provide caregivers a break

Respite also provides a much-needed break for the caregiver. Caregivers need time-away, too, whether for other work, holidays, or simply to recharge their batteries, and it isn’t feasible to leave a senior that is not fully-independent without assistance. Respite is one solution that could be a welcome change for both the caregiver and the senior, when the short-term goal is to return home.

Making the decision to find respite care

Respite care typically involves some period of assisted-living care, which is not something to take lightly. Visit, tour, and research potential facilities and providers before making any definitive arrangements. Interview these professionals to determine if your goals are congruent and if it is a good fit for the respite you are looking for.

Keep these things in mind when contemplating respite care:

• Engage in open communication about respite care, and involve your loved ones in the discussion.
• Don’t limit yourself. Look a bit further and wider to find exactly what you need and to ensure comfort and satisfaction throughout the process.
• Stay organized throughout the process. This includes tracking, documenting, and researching potential elements carefully. After all, it is a big decision.
• Enlist help and support from others. No person is an island; we all need others from time-to-time. Ask for help and input from other family, friends, neighbors, and ease the burdens that can accompany caregiving.
• Develop a respite plan. Involve caregivers, providers, and supports like family and friends in a tangible plan that keeps everyone on the same page. This will also identify any potential issues, conflicts, or delays as you work toward returning home.

Do you or someone you love need respite care? Keep these five reasons for respite care in-mind, and look for qualified and caring respite facilities online but make sure to work with the professionals to ensure optimal care. Respite caregivers should be trained and licensed, which is key and what you want when seeking someone to care for your loved one, friend, or client. Senior Living Experts will assess your needs and connect you with competent, caring professionals and the right respite situation for your needs- from the comfort of your own computer!