Respite care is frequently confused with hospice care, yet there are distinct differences between the two. While hospice care refers to making patients comfortable at the end of their lives following lengthy illnesses or conditions, respite care provides short-term health care assistance to ill or disabled individuals so that main caregivers get breaks from their duties. Take a moment to learn more about this specialty care service to determine if it is right for you and your loved one.

Respite Care & Your Loved One

Flexible Scheduling

Respite care occurs in a patient’s home, at a residential health care center providing overnight stays, or at a specialty day center for ill and disabled individuals. In addition to taking place wherever it is most convenient for the patient, the duration of time varies to accommodate the caregiver’s needs. If you need breaks two days a week, for example, a skilled nursing professional will provide care on those days. Should you require breaks for longer periods of time, you can enjoy them without worrying about your loved one’s health care needs.

The Ability to Refresh & Renew

The emotional, mental, and physical tolls of being the main caregiver can eventually make you feel negative and exhausted no matter how much you love the person you are looking after.

Rather than burning out, use respite care to give yourself the much-needed breaks you need. Being able to recharge your body and mind by relaxing, running errands, catching up on work, and spending time with friends makes it much easier to return to your caregiving duties. Use your time to start an exercise regimen, take a new class, or go on vacation. How you spend your “off” time is completely up to you.

Getting Started

Implementing respite care requires having an honest conversation with your loved one and explaining that you will be able to do your job better when you get a little time to yourself. You’ll then need to discuss what type of care works best for you and your family member, such as a skilled nursing professional visiting the person’s home or joining a group at the local adult day care center. This type of care is available in many places to give you the options you need.
 

Discuss your respite care requirements with the caregivers at Atmore Nursing Center, the federal- and state-licensed facility in Atmore, AL. Specializing in personalized assisted living and rehabilitation services, this premier center features a medical staff on call 24/7 as well as 100 comfortable rooms. Medicare patients may get up to 100% of their costs covered during the first 20 days of their stay. Call (251) 368-9121 today with questions or visit the facility online for more service information.