Giving an Elderly Caregiver a Break: 7 Places to Find Respite Care

Respite care can be a lifeline for full-time caregivers of the elderly. So what is it? It’s an arrangement where you hire a substitute caregiver to give you a break from time to time. Respite care works best when you have a set schedule. For example, perhaps your brother comes over for 4 hours on Tuesday afternoons to take care of your mother. Or, a friend comes over for the day every Friday. The important thing to remember with respite care is that you should use the time away from your elder care duties to recharge your batteries. Relax during this time. Do something you enjoy.

Even if it’s for just a few hours, getting that regularly scheduled rest is critical, as it can significantly improve your mental and physical state. On top of that, you can even delay the institutionalization of your senior. When family or friends can’t help you, you can have your elder join a respite program in your community, or you can hire an in-home respite worker.

The 7 most common places to look for respite care if you can’t get friends or family to spell it out are:

1. Local Agencies on Aging
These agencies generally provide referrals for self-employed relief workers. They usually have different names in different states, but you can locate the agency in your area by calling 800-677-1116.

2. Churches / Houses of worship
Many churches, synagogues, and other religious institutions will be able to refer you to services available in your area.

3. Day centers for adults
You can locate these agencies online or in the phone book. Many of these facilities also offer overnight respite care options.

4. Skilled Nursing Facilities
These facilities can be a great alternative, but they can be expensive. Medicare normally only pays for respite care for those who are hospice patients.

5. Home care agencies
Check with your elder’s doctor or hospital discharge worker for options here.

6. Word of mouth recommendations
Ask friends and family for recommendations. Ask at work. You never know when a friend of a friend might meet someone who knows a loving person who cared for their loved one at some point.

7. Call your state department of aging
This number will be on your state’s website, as well as in the phone book. Call and ask if there are funds for respite care. If you’re lucky enough to live in one of the few states that provides funding for this type of care, don’t get too excited until you know how long your waiting list is.

Most relief workers are women, but most agencies will do their best to provide you with a male worker if you ask.