Respite Care Benefits in an Assisted Living Community for Seniors

There are ten chronic diseases people are likelier to develop when they get older. Heart disease is one -- depression and Alzheimer's are two others.

Many people care for their aging loved ones for various reasons. However, there may come a time when they must consider senior care services.

We don't necessarily mean putting them in an assisted living community for seniors. It's not a matter of mobility issues or needing daily aid.

We're referring to respite care. Respite care allows you to find qualified professionals to care for your parents when you can't.

But that doesn't explain what this form of senior care is. Keep reading, because below, we explain the benefits of respite care for elders.

What Is Respite Care?

Respite care is one of many assisted living options, including typical assisted living and memory care. Respite care is only temporary, whereas traditional assisted living helps people with activities of daily living (ADLs).

Memory care is for people with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Both types of elderly care support are long-term and often permanent.

Respite care is for people recovering from hospitalization or temporary illness. However, respite care also helps caretakers. Ask yourself this: have you ever been sick but couldn't take time off due to caring for a loved one?

Was there ever a time you've canceled appointments because of this? Do you need surgery or another medical procedure but have delayed it because you can't find aid for your loved ones?

Has it been a while since you've vacationed because you don't want to leave your parents without help? If you've answered "yes" to any of these questions, you may want to consider respite care.

How Does Respite Care Work?

Respite care can last anywhere from a few hours to several weeks. This form of elderly care support can take place at home, in health care facilities, adult day care centers, and in an assisted living community for seniors.

Who Qualifies for Respite Care?

Both caregivers and people with disabilities qualify for respite care. We've discussed reasons caregivers may want to opt for respite care; here are some specific illnesses and disabilities these senior care services help with:

• Memory impairments like Alzheimer's and other types of dementia
• Brain injuries, like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis
• Developmental disabilities like cerebral palsy or Down syndrome
• Mental health and psychiatric disorders
  • Like depression or Schizophrenia
• Chronic illnesses like heart disease

How Do You Pay for Respite Care?

Respite care costs differ from state to state. But you can expect to pay hundreds per day, depending on the extent of care and where it's done.

Many insurance plans won't pay for respite care, while others may only cover part of the service. Medicare and Medicaid may cover costs.

Medicare gives people over 65 and those with certain disabilities and conditions the same standardized health coverage across the US. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program with differing benefits across states.

Medicare will cover respite care if patients qualify for hospice care benefits. Medicaid doesn't offer coverage for hospice care as a standard benefit.

What Are the Benefits of Respite Care?

Guilt-free time off is a perk we've already alluded to. Many people don't want to leave their loved ones without capable daily help.

Unfortunately, this can lead to burnout, resentment, and even physical illness. People using respite care can use the time to catch up on everything they've missed.

Access to Professional Aid

Many caretakers aren't equipped to care for their loved ones despite their best efforts. You don't have to be a professional to care for people with chronic illnesses and other conditions, but it goes a long way.

Respite caregivers can help with ADLs, like bathing, toileting, and walking. They do housework and provide companionship and entertainment.

These trained caregivers can prepare nutritious meals for your loved one's specific conditions. Respite caregivers can even do medication management.

Mental Health Support

Respite care allows you to recharge your body and mind. Caregiving can be stressful and tiresome, regardless of how much you love someone.

Accumulated stress is never good; it may lead to unhealthy coping methods. Some people become vulnerable to self-medication with drugs, alcohol, or binge eating. Respite care allows your loved ones a break, too.

Caretaking means you're around each other for extended periods. Having a fresh face around gives you and your loved ones a break from each other, allowing you both breathing room.

Time apart can also foster better communication. You can see things clearer and more effectively understand each other's feelings.

Improved Physical Health

Caretaking is a huge responsibility and it's hard to care for yourself when you're busy doing it for others. Respite care for elders allows you to handle surgeries and other medical procedures.

Many illnesses and conditions worsen over time. Finding suitable care gives you enough time to handle and recover from resolving your medical issues.

Improved Socialization

Older adults are more at risk for social isolation and loneliness due to various factors including mobility issues and health changes. Respite care in an assisted living community for seniors reduces this.

Your loved ones have more opportunities to socialize with new people, many of whom may have similar hobbies and interests. This gives you greater opportunities to speak to other family members and friends.

Choosing the Best Assisted Living Community for Seniors

Make sure your chosen assisted living community for seniors has everything to accommodate you and your loved one's needs. Highland Place Assisted Living in Inverness, FL, can be that community.

We provide pet-friendly, personalized help so residents stay as independent as possible. Our staff makes personalized plans for each resident to care for them as best we can.

Highland Place offers assisted living services like housekeeping, bathing, and dressing. You can request our respite care services within the community and at home.

Don't let the cost stop you. We offer a Military Veterans program and summer savings to reduce your first month's rent. Contact us today! New residents can join our Fast Track program and move in within 24 hours.