What Is Respite Home Care?

Respite care is a term for giving a caregiver some time away from their responsibilities. Respite home care, in particular, involves someone visiting the patient’s residence to provide relief.

This article covers respite home care, including who might benefit from it, the types of services provided and tips for seeking assistance.

Who Needs Respite Home Care?

Anyone who cares for someone for an extended period or around the clock can benefit from home respite care. That might be the case if your loved one has a condition like cancer, a brain injury or Alzheimer’s disease. A person might also need continual assistance if they are blind or have had a stroke.

Typical Respite Care Services

Respite care professionals can provide many types of services, including helping the person do some or all of the following:

• Bathe
• Dress
• Eat and drink
• Get into and out of bed
• Take medication
• Exercise
• Spend time outdoors
• Enjoy hobbies

Respite care can also involve handling chores like laundry, preparing meals or taking the person to medical appointments. Of course, respite care does not have to involve activities. Many people simply appreciate having someone to sit and visit with them.

Scheduled and Emergency Respite Home Care

Caregivers often schedule respite care visits in advance to coincide with plans outside the home or in a cadence that aligns with their need for a break. However, respite care service providers might also be able to help on short notice in an emergency.

What To Look for in Respite Home Care

When seeking respite care, it is crucial to use an appropriately licensed and insured provider. You should also ask questions to understand the company’s services, including:

• How long can home respite care sessions last?
• What is the cost of respite care?
• What services are included?
• How far in advance do I need to schedule care?
• What training and credentials do caregivers have?
• How do you evaluate caregivers?
• How does your organization track a patient’s medical conditions and medications?

If multiple people require care during home respite visits, it’s critical to mention that.

Nonprofit organizations focused on a particular condition (the Alzheimer’s Association, for example) or group (veteran’s associations) can be good sources of information on home respite care.

Payment for home respite care through private health insurance, Medicare and other sources can vary. Consequently, it’s a good idea to check with providers and programs to see if it’s covered and to what extent.

You Deserve a Break

Dedication to your loved one is admirable, but it can hinder getting the relief you need. Remember that you can deliver the highest quality care when taking periodic breaks to maintain your mental, emotional and physical well-being.

If the person you’re caring for is reluctant to have a respite care provider, consider starting with short visits, potentially with you staying for some or all of the visit. That can help your loved one get more comfortable with the person and the idea of you being away briefly.

Home Respite Care: Essential for Your Health

Every caregiver should schedule home respite care as needed. It’s good for you and, by extension, your loved one.

Learn about home care services at Baptist Health.

Next Steps and Helpful Resources

Find a Respite Care provider at Baptist Health
What Is Hospice Care at Home?
Cancer Care Home Services
Home Health Nursing Services