Caring for an ill or elderly family member requires a group effort. Respite care for the elderly gives you time to de-stress, re-energize, and focus on your own well-being.
Respite care focuses on two goals: to improve care for your loved one and provide support and relief for you, the caregiver. This short-term or scheduled ongoing professional care allows you to take a break from caregiving and return with renewed energy. Respite care for elderly in the Little Rock area can help you improve your physical, mental, and emotional health, enhance the quality of care you provide, and foster a healthier overall relationship between you and your loved one.
If you can no longer provide care for your loved one, elder care services can help them remain in their home while getting the daily support they need. When you are ready for elder care services in Little Rock, it introduces new perspectives and strategies for care.
Types of Respite Care
There are two main types of respite care: in-home (home-based) and out-of-home. Public health organizations, volunteer agencies, personal care providers, and nonprofit agencies (like Integrity, Inc.) offer in-home respite services. In this arrangement, your loved one can remain at home while trained professionals make visits and provide individualized care. Homemakers, churchgoers, friends, neighbors, and even your other family members can provide this type of care. Companion services is another type of in-home respite care in which sitters spend quality time with your loved one such as going on walks, playing board games, watching movies, or simply having pleasant conversations.
Out-of-home respite care includes adult day care services and caregiver support groups. Adult day care services are preferred, as they provide a natural, community-based environment where your loved one can interact with their peers and benefit both mentally and emotionally. Day care staff plan engaging activities and can often prepare nutritious meals that meet your loved one’s special dietary needs. Local caregiver retreats and respite care camps provide a mix of care, education, and support programs for both you and your loved one.
Benefits of Respite Care
The benefits of respite care vary depending on your personal situation and the quality and consistency of the care provided. You may find a wonderful volunteer who is able to provide excellent care and companionship for your loved one. Perhaps your loved one prefers to spend their days out and about with their peers in an adult day care program. You can even mix and match multiple care options to fit your and your loved one’s needs.
Your loved one’s health insurance plan may cover respite care provided by medical professionals. In Arkansas, Medicaid offers the waiver program ARChoices that provides a comprehensive statewide listing of home and community-based services for the elderly and developmentally disabled. You can apply online to see if you or your loved are eligible for the respite care or elder care services offered through the ARChoices program.
Veterans Affairs (VA) benefits will cover up to 30 days of respite care for eligible recipients. Supplemental security income (SSI) recipients also have access to various benefits.
Are You Ready for Respite Care?
Ask yourself if you are beginning to harbor resentment due to the time constraints that come with being the primary caregiver for your loved one. Do you feel like other relationships in your life are suffering due to your caregiving responsibilities? If caring for your loved one has you feeling overwhelmed, talk with them about respite care options. Honesty and empathy can go a long way. Be open with your thoughts and feelings and let them know that you would like to have time to yourself. Trained medical professionals can help you identify the most favorable care options, but remember that you and your loved one have the final say.
If you want to learn more about respite care for elderly, contact Integrity, Inc. at 501-406-0442. Since 1989, Integrity, Inc. has been helping Arkansas families find loving, supportive care solutions for elderly loved ones. We can help you determine what level of care your family member needs to remain as independent as possible every step of the way.
