As the name suggests, respite care is supplemental care that offers a brief reprieve for weary caregivers. Caregiving, even for those we love, can often result in putting your own needs and priorities on the back burner, and in some cases leads to caregiver burnout. The best time for respite care? Before burnout sets in.
Although designed with the caregiver in mind, respite care benefits you and your loved one alike. And with different types of respite care available, you can find an option that suits you both.
Types of Respite Care
Respite care can take many forms. From occasional assistance from friends, family or neighbors that allows you to step away to run some errands, to regularly scheduled help from professionals, the goal of respite care is to provide a break for primary caregivers while loved ones continue to be well cared for. Whether a few hours or days a week or even multiple weeks, there are different types of respite care to suit the needs of you and your loved one.
In-home services come directly to you. Hired caregivers may provide companionship, assistance with housekeeping and other home-based tasks like meal preparation, personal care including bathing, dressing and exercising, and skilled care for help with medications, infusions and other treatments.
Adult day centers offer planned activities and programming by support staff. And depending on the location, transportation and meals may be offered, too.
Residential health centers allow for overnight stays of varying lengths of time in the comfort of a senior living community with around-the-clock skilled care.
Health Conditions Supported by Respite Care
If you haven’t taken time for yourself because you’re worried about leaving your loved one alone, respite care can help. Trained respite care providers can assist with activities of daily living and common senior medical needs, like medication or injection assistance, wound treatment or catheter care. In general, respite care can support many senior health conditions, although depending on the severity of a health condition, advanced medical care may be required.
For those with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, you may be able to locate an adult day center or residential care provider who specializes in programming and services for those with cognitive decline.
Paying for Respite Care
The cost of respite care will depend upon the number of hours or days of care provided as well as the level of skill required. Adult day centers, for instance, may have daily, hourly or drop-in rates, while the hourly fee for in-home providers will vary based on the type of work they are doing. And the rate for residential stays is usually comparable to the daily market rate for skilled nursing care.
Respite care is typically private pay and not covered by insurance, however, there may be certain qualifying instances to receive additional support from the following:
- Veterans Benefits. The VA offers up to 30 days of residential respite care at certain locations. Veterans and survivors receiving a VA pension might also be eligible for respite care assistance through the Aid and Attendance benefit.
- Medicaid. While Medicaid general benefits do not cover respite care, some states have waiver programs available that can help cover the cost.
- Medicare. Medicare does not cover the cost of respite care, however, there is available coverage when a respite stay happens in conjunction with hospice care.
Village on the Green Respite Care Services
For compassionate respite care services in Longwood, Florida, look no further than Village on the Green. Whether you are heading out of town, your loved one is interested in trying out our community through a short-term stay, or you simply need a break, whatever your reason for respite care, the skilled team in our health center is here for you. We offer residential respite care stays of a week or more in our newly remodeled health center, which boasts a 5-star rating from Medicare.
While in our community, your loved one will enjoy the beauty of our grounds, the companionship of our residents and team members, 24/7, engaging activities and nutritious chef-prepared meals.
If you and your loved one could benefit from respite care, please reach out to our team through the form below or give us a call 407-682-0230.
