Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. A different caregiver provides care for a patient, giving the primary caregiver the ability to manage their needs and obligations. It provides the opportunity for a caregiver to take a vacation without worrying about the care their loved one is receiving. For many, respite care is a lifesaver.
Types of Respite Care
Because there are so many different types of needs related to respite care, there are many different options. Some of the options include In-Home Respite Care, Day Centers/Programs, and Respite Care Facilities.
In-Home Respite Care
This type of respite care is offered in the home. A patient remains in their comfortable surroundings while our healthcare professionals will come to them to provide the care they need. Illuminated Hearts provides in-home respite care allowing our caregivers to take a break from their duties without disrupting care for patients.
Day Centers & Programs
Adult Day Care Centers and Day Programs are, as their name implies, during the day. In general, they do not provide overnight services. This type of respite care is convenient for those who may need sporadic day at a time type of care. The patient needs to meet certain criteria for many of these programs, so careful research is necessary.
Respite Care Facilities
Respite care facilities provide short-term residential care. These facilities generally are nursing-type homes that will care for your loved one for a period of time. For example, if you are going on a two-week vacation, your loved one can check into a respite care facility while you are away, and the facility will care for them. These facilities accept different types of care level patients, so it is critical to know beforehand if your loved one meets the facility’s criteria.
Who Respite Care is For
Respite care is not only for the patient but also for the primary caregiver. The primary caregiver is undoubtedly dedicated to caring for their loved one, but they also need a break. Respite care allows for that break and makes caregiving easier. Some common benefits of respite care include:
- Stress Reduction for the primary caregiver/family
- Allows caregiver time to focus on their needs
- Allows the patient to feel that they are “less of a burden” if they see their primary caregiver have the extra time they need
- Allows the patient to have new and additional interaction with other people
- Relationship improvement between the caregiver and their loved one
- Peace of mind knowing that the loved one has alternate quality care
Services Offered in Respite Care
At Illuminated Hearts, we offer multiple types of Respite Care. These include personal care, nursing care, mobility support, and companionship care.
- Personal Care – Personal care often includes services such as laundry, housekeeping, and meal preparation. For individuals who need more extensive care, our caretakers can help with dressing, bathing, and other bathroom needs.
- Nursing Care – Our trained caregivers will administer medication at the right times and in the correct dosages. Nursing care services can also include emergency care if something unexpected were to happen.
- Mobility Support – If your patient has a physical disability or is a senior who has trouble moving around, our team at Illuminated Hearts provides mobility support. Examples include movement around the home, in the bathroom, going to bed, or up the stairs.
- Companionship Care – While your family member is in our care, they will receive friendship, conversation, and entertainment from our caregivers. You can rest assured knowing they are in the hands of someone who not only cares about their well-being but their happiness too.
How Much Respite Care Costs
The cost of respite care is individual to each situation. At Illuminated Hearts, we understand that cost is essential in your decision and work hard to provide care that meets your budget. Factors that affect price are generally the services you use and how long you need them.
Some long-term care insurance policies will cover Respite Care, and Medicare and Medicaid may help. However, most insurances don’t provide for respite care. Possible outside funding may be available through government or private programs. During the free in-home assessment, we will review costs and answer questions you may have about resources for your loved one.
Does Medicare Cover Respite Care?
In certain situations, Medicare may cover respite care. For example, if the patient is receiving hospice care under Medicare, up to 5 consecutive days of out of the home respite care may be covered.
Finding the Respite Care Services Your Loved One Needs
Illuminated Hearts is an in-home caregiving agency in Philadelphia providing high-quality, reliable, and affordable respite care services for a full range of clients. If you independently care for a loved one and need temporary relief from your duties, Illuminated Hearts is here to help. We meet with you and your family during the free in-home assessment to jointly determine the scope of care needed. We conduct an in-depth review of your (or your loved one’s) lifestyle and medical conditions. We then evaluate the assistance necessary and tailor a care plan to the individual and their specific needs.
To learn more about respite care through the Illuminated Hearts Family, schedule your free assessment today. We tailor our services to your and your family’s needs so you not only get a break from your daily routine but you get the best care possible for your loved one.