Respite Care Specifics

There is both planned respite when the caregiver sets up the respite care in advance of the needed care and crisis respite when an emergency situation arises that required unplanned respite care.

There is both planned respite when the caregiver sets up the respite care in advance of the needed care and crisis respite when an emergency situation arises that required unplanned respite care. This planned or unplanned respite care can take place in-home, or out-of-home setting and will depend on the needs of the individual who requires care and on the family members.

Respite care is given in order to preserve the family and to give support services when needed. Respite care reduces family stress, supports family stability, and helps to prevent abuse and neglect and also serves to reduce the need for out-of-home placements.

Respite Care Breaks:

Respite breaks are when a respite worker comes for a short period of time in order to give the regular caregiver a break to do whatever personal errand needs to be done or just so the caregiver can rest and enjoy themselves for a short time. Breaks are usually during the day, but can be a night too.

There are also family homes and day care centers that can offer short-term respite care. These homes and centers have trained staff and some provide transportation back and forth.

Caregiver Support Have they cared for individuals with this condition before? When are the respite services available? Is there a back-up plan in case the individual who is supposed to be doing the respite care gets sick or for other reasons is unable to do the respite care? Care for Cargiver

Respite care can also be long-term in a group home, nursing home, or other facility set up for respite care. This is usually used for when the caregiver needs a longer break due to mental or physical stress or when they go on vacation. Sometimes when long-term respite care is necessary you can find a live-in caregiver who is willing to come to the home to care while the regular caregiver is gone for an extended time.

If there are no high-level care needs and the individual is mobile, it may be an option to use a day care program. Day care programs are perfect for those who need companionship or light supervision. Day care programs allows for socialization as well as for respite care.

When the individual has higher level medical needs or is mentally or emotionally challenged it may be better to use nursing homes or respite care centers that are set up to handle the special needs of these individuals. It is imperative that the respite care be able to fit the needs of the individual and the family.

Issues with Caregivers

02/01/2012
VA Caregivers Support Line Celebrates First Anniversary
On Feb. 1, the Department of Veterans Affairs will mark the one-year anniversary of the toll-free National VA Caregiver Support Line, 1-855-260-3274. The support line’s dedica

VA Caregivers Support Line Celebrates First Anniversary

01/27/2012
Caregiver fired, arrested for sodomy of patient
A hospital caregiver has been arrested after police say he performed a sex act on an unconscious patient.

Caregiver fired, arrested for sodomy of patient

02/03/2012
Caregiver support group to meet
A Caregiver Support Group, led by Joan Brubacher, LSCSW, of Prairie View, will meet from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Feb. 9. This month's meeting will cover “Anticipatory Grief.”

Caregiver support group to meet

01/23/2012
Hiring a caregiver requires research
When my father was diagnosed with lung cancer 12 years ago, I was faced with the prospect of hiring a caregiver for him.

Hiring a caregiver requires research

02/01/2012
Caregiver Connection sets February schedule
ONANCOCK -- Caregiver Connection, a support and education program sponsored by Hospice and Palliative Care of the Eastern Shore, meets at various locations on the Shore, and is open at no charge to all caregivers and former caregivers.

Caregiver Connection sets February schedule