According to data from the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, more than 42 million adults are caring for someone over the age of 50, and their unpaid labor is valued at $470 billion. Being a family caregiver is a taxing responsibility that can be mentally, physically and emotionally draining. As the primary caregiver, it’s important that you take a break to care for yourself every now and then, yet the AARP data found that while 38 percent of caregivers believe respite services would be beneficial, only 14 percent actually utilize those services.
At Claridge Court, we are passionate about successful aging. This includes advocating for and providing support for caregivers and loved ones alike, including services like respite care.
Types of Respite Care
Respite care, as the name implies, is any type of senior care service that provides a respite to the primary caregiver. Types of respite care options include:
- Adult day centers. Adult day centers offer a respite to caregivers by providing care, socialization opportunities and programming options for seniors. Different care centers might have different days and hours of operation, as well as different daily or hourly rates. Some might provide partial or full-day services either a few days a week or every day.
- In-home care providers. In-home care providers offer a respite by bringing supplemental support directly to your loved one. The types of care you can hire depends upon your loved one’s needs. From in-home caregivers who can provide companionship or help with grooming, to licensed home health aides who provide more advanced medical care at home. The cost of in-home respite care will depend upon the type of care, the frequency of care and the provider’s hourly rate.
- Residential respite care. Residential respite care offers skilled care within the comfort and security of a senior living community. Depending on the community, this can include overnight stays for a few days or up to a few weeks.
Why consider respite care?
Caregiving, even for someone you love unconditionally, can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally. And it can be hard to pour from an empty cup. Simply put, some form of respite care is an excellent option anytime a primary caregiver needs a break. Whether that break is to go to work, to take some time to run errands or catch up with friends, or perhaps even to take a few days of vacation.
Respite care helps support you, as the primary caregiver, by helping to prevent caregiver burnout and allowing you to recharge and take care of your needs while your loved one is well cared for by qualified professionals.
The Benefits of Respite Care for Caregivers & Seniors Alike
Respite care was created with caregivers in mind. It’s important for you to take the time to care for yourself so you can continue to care for your loved one. A common concern we hear is that caregivers feel selfish taking time for themselves, but consider this: 23% of Americans say caregiving has made their own health worse. If you neglect your well-being and your own health declines as a result, who will take care of your loved one?
If you are among the caregivers having a hard time making the decision to rely on others for respite care, consider the ways in which your loved one will also benefit from respite care. Your loved one will receive personal attention from professional caregivers and benefit from additional social interactions, which play an important role in successful aging and keeping the brain healthy. In the case of residential respite care, engaging on-site activities and healthy meals are also included.
Respite Care in Prairie Village, Kansas
For caregivers in the Kansas City area, Claridge Court offers respite care services in our on-site health center, which boasts a 5-star rating from Medicare. In order to provide the best quality of care to your loved one, Claridge Court respite care services require a minimum 7-day commitment. While in our community, your loved one will enjoy the same services, amenities, stimulating programming and chef-prepared meals as our full-time residents — not to mention the security and peace of mind offered by our 24/7 nursing care. In fact, some of our respite care guests decide they like our community so much they decide to move here!
Whether here for a respite stay, rehabilitation or as a full-time resident, at Claridge Court, the happiness and well-being of those in our community comes first. If you’re looking for secondary care support, the compassionate team at Claridge Court is here. Please fill out the form below or give us a call at 913-385-4137 to learn more about our respite care services.
