Respite Care Benefiting Older Adults and Easing Stress on Loved Ones

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults in the United States provide unpaid long-term health care to someone over 50, often a parent or spouse. These families were unprepared for the consequences of declining health and aging. These caregivers face tremendous pressure and demands on their time. Often, they don't get help from other family members. This is where respite care comes into play.

Respite care provides relief and support to family members caring for a person who needs long-term health care. It can include temporary placements in a facility, professional home health care, community services such as adult day care centers, and home-delivered meals. Respite care provides much-needed breaks for primary caregivers providing positive benefits to both the caregiver and the care recipient.

It seems to many family caregivers that taking time off from the enormous burden of caring for a loved one is a luxury that is both difficult to manage and difficult to afford. However, respite care is beneficial for the caregiver and the care recipient and is usually affordable.

Respite care gives family caregivers short-term breaks that can protect their physical and emotional health while they care for their loved ones. It can also provide the care recipient with an opportunity to engage in therapeutic activities while they receive care from trained caregivers.

Recharging Batteries

Adam Busch runs Amada Senior Care in Chicago, part of a national home health agency that provides care for people nationwide. His agency, like many others, provides respite care in the care recipient's home. Busch says families benefit from respite care emotionally, financially, and physically. 

When primary caretakers get a break, they're able to "recharge their batteries" and continue their role. Respite care often reduces symptoms associated with depression among primary caregivers. Through respite care, the primary caregiver can focus on other family obligations and work/career responsibilities.

Busch says that people with Long-Term Care Insurance will often use respite care during a policy's "elimination period," a deductible based on days. As family members provide care during this time (usually 90 days), the family caregivers can get a break to ease the stress.

Studies have shown that family caregivers who have access to respite care have lower levels of depression, better physical health, and improved coping abilities. In addition to the benefits for family caregivers, respite care also provides valuable benefits for the care recipient. 

Respite care can provide a new and valuable social experience for care recipients who may spend extended periods alone. Trained caregivers offer care in a comfortable and interactive environment, allowing care recipients to engage with other people, do enjoyable activities, and learn new skills. 

Avoiding Isolation

Respite care can also provide a sense of connection and belonging when a care recipient may feel emotionally isolated or socially disconnected. Respite care can also offer a safe and secure environment that may not be available in the care recipient's home. The trained staff ensures a safe and stimulating environment while caring for the needs of the care recipients. 

Michael Lam, MD, MPH, says that human beings are designed to interact with other human beings, and doing this face-to-face is the best way. 

From a cognitive perspective, as you grow older, one of the benefits of socializing is the ability to think better and to stay on top of things. Older adults who continue to socialize also have a lower risk of developing dementia and Alzheimer's. In addition, as you age, continuing to be social can help you deal with any potential depression and stress.

Respite care provides a unique level of comfort and peace of mind for both the family caregiver and the care recipient. 

Busch says they often recommend respite care when family caregivers are part of the care plan.

Patients increasingly have more complex care needs at home while experiencing shorter hospital stays and reduced benefits through Medicare. Respite care benefits family caretakers who need a helping hand, working people in the "sandwich generation," those caring for a senior loved one on hospice, and many others committed to aging in place.

Individuals with Long-Term Care Insurance will often use respite care to provide relief for informal family caregivers who may be helping the care recipient if off hours. 

Quality of Life

Long-term health care, including respite care, is essential for seniors to maintain the best possible quality of life. The need for long-term health care has progressed due to advances in medical science. As people age, their health needs become more complicated, and they require help with everyday living activities or supervision due to dementia.

These activities of daily living (ADLs) include things like bathing, dressing, toileting, transferring, and eating. Plus, people need help with instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs). IADLs are things you do every day to take care of yourself and your home.

IADLs refer to more complex activities, such as grocery shopping, taking medications correctly, and using the telephone. Both types of activities are essential for seniors to maintain their independence. Professional long-term health care can help manage these needs on a full-time or part-time basis in someone's home, or in adult day care centers, assisted living facilities, memory care facilities, and nursing homes. 

Many people, as they age, may also need technology support. This would include items like a walker, wheelchair, specialized bed, lift chair, wheelchair ramp, and accessible transportation.

Those much older or suffering from memory problems will also need medication management. Caregivers will ensure the care recipient takes their required meds correctly and on time.

Some people with chronic illnesses may also need skilled services providing help with physical, occupational, or speech therapy. It can also include wound care and medical management. 

Professional Care is Expensive

All this care is demanding on family members, and professional care is expensive. Those without Long-Term Care Insurance will pay for professional care out of pocket unless the care recipient has little or no income and assets.

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No matter what, the consequences of declining health and aging impact families and finances. Planning ahead of time will reduce the demands placed on loved ones. Long-Term Care Insurance will provide the resources to pay for quality care, including in-home care. An LTC policy will protect income and assets and allow loved ones more time to be family instead of caregivers.

Most people obtain coverage in their 50s.