Respite

"Respite" refers to short term, temporary care to older persons who cannot be left alone safely in order that their families can take a break from the daily routine of care giving. Respite services may sometimes involve overnight care for an extended period of time.

One of the important purposes of respite is to give family members time and temporarily relieve the stress they may experience while providing care for a parent or loved one who might not be able to take care of them selves due to age, disease or disability. Respite care enables families to take vacations, or just a few hours of time off.


What does a respite caregiver do?

Respite caregivers may provide an array of services while in the home of the client. It depends on the level of care that the client needs. If a client is able to bathe themselves, go to the bathroom by themselves or feed themselves but is not able to be left alone for safety reasons then a unlicensed companion is all that they need. If the client is incontinent or might need Personal Care or needs someone to feed them then they need a HHA/CNA. Some of the things a companion will do are:

• visit with the client
• fix meals for the client
• read to the client
• take the clients on walks
• play games with the client

Who needs respite services?

• Is it difficult to find temporary care for my mother, father, spouse or friend?
• Does caring for my mother, father, spouse interfere with scheduling appointments or with personal projects?
• Is it important that my spouse and I enjoy an evening alone together, without my mother or father?
• If I had appropriate care for my mother or father with a disability, would I use the time for a special activity with my children?
• Am I concerned that in the event of a family emergency there is no one with whom I would feel secure with to leave my mother, father, spouse?
• Would I feel comfortable having a trained, caring respite provider care for my mother, father, spouse?
• Do I avoid going out because I feel I would be imposing on the family and friends who care for my mother, father, spouse?

If family members answer "yes" to any of these questions, the family may very well benefit from respite care services.

Respite is often referred to as a gift of time.

If you are caring for a loved one or a friend you know that it is a full time job. There is no “vacation” or “time alone”. The needs of the one you are caring for always comes first. Take some personal time to do the things that you have been putting off for yourself. Hire a caregiver to provide Respite Care.

Call Partners Home Care now at 863-292-9060 or e-mail us for a free in home assessment.