What Does Respite Care Entail?

Why this resource is helpful:

"Respite Care is generally offered in one of two forms, either as a regularly scheduled respite shift or on an as-needed or emergency basis.
Regularly Scheduled Respite Shift:
When the need for Respite Care is anticipated, families often find that it is helpful to schedule it as an on-going shift (daily, weekly, bi-weekly or monthly from 2-24 hours). Knowing that a respite caregiver is scheduled, and a break is forthcoming, can be just what the primary caregiver needs to know in order to get through the day. When Respite Care is scheduled on a regular basis, a home care agency such as Family Resource will do its best to assure that the client has the same caregiver each visit.
Emergency or As-Needed Respite Care:
Sometimes the need for Respite Care cannot be anticipated. Perhaps the primary caregiver becomes ill or needs to tend to another family member"s needs. Or they just wake up one morning feeling exhausted and overwhelmed. When these situations occur, Family Resource will find a caregiver to meet the immediate needs of the family.
Whether the caregiver is providing Respite Care during a regularly scheduled shift or whether the caregiver has come to the client on an emergency or as-needed basis, the caregiver is trained to assist their client with all the tasks on the care plan. This includes morning and bedtime routines, plus personal care tasks throughout the day such as bathing, toileting, grooming, dressing, mobility, transfers, and assists.
Respite caregivers will also offer medication reminders, do Light Housekeeping and laundry, provide Transportation and shopping, prepare meals, and offer Companionship and supervision. Respite caregivers will work closely with the primary caregiver to make the transition as seamless and satisfactory as possible for the client."

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