What Respite Means to a Caregiver

You think you or your loved one might need some help around the house, but youre not sure what. Youve done a bit of research, but the language can be confusing. Whats the difference between home care and home health care? What services does a companion provide? And most importantly, which services do you need? Each type of service, from companion care to skilled nursing care, caters to different needs and offers varying levels of support. Knowing the differences can help you make an informed decision thats best for your family, says Siarra Thorning of Right at Home Grand Junction. Heres a breakdown of the primary in-home caregiver services available. Companion Care (or Sitter Services) Companion care, sometimes known as sitter services, mainly provides companionship for seniors or individuals who do not require intensive medical care but may need supervision and light assistance. This service is ideal for those who wish to remain in their home and maintain a level of independence. Companion care helps ensure the individual is safe in their home and gets regular social interaction. Caregivers in this role engage in activities such as:         Conversation and companionship, including hobbies, games, and walks         Meal preparation and dining company         Light housekeeping         Errand services, such as grocery shopping         Transportation to appointments or social events         Medication reminders Companion care is suitable for individuals who are mostly independent but may be at risk if left alone for long periods, such as those with early-stage dementia or limited mobility, says Thorning.  Personal Care (or Home Care) Personal care professionals provide a more hands-on level of support, helping with the personal care of an individual. This service is often more generally called home care, explains Thorning.  These caregivers have more training than companion caregivers and can assist with the physical aspects of daily living. Their tasks typically include:         Bathing and personal hygiene         Dressing assistance         Mobility assistance         Incontinence care         More detailed medication management         Monitoring of vital signs under some circumstances Personal care is ideal for individuals who need regular assistance with personal care tasks but do not require medical intervention. Its a good fit for those with moderate disabilities or more advanced stages of age-related conditions. Home care visits are typically a minimum three-hour shift as often as needed up to 24/7 care and can continue as often as visits are needed. Nursing Care (Home Health Nurses) Nursing care at home is provided by registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs). This type of care is necessary when an individual needs medical care at home, whether theyre recovering after a hospital stay or need help managing a chronic condition such as chronic lung or kidney disease. Home health nurses perform a range of medical tasks, including:         Wound care         Administering medications, including injections         Pain management         Medical equipment operation         Monitoring health status and adjusting care plans accordingly Nursing care is suited for individuals with significant medical needs that require professional health monitoring. Its commonly used for recovering from surgery, managing serious illnesses, or managing complex health conditions requiring regular medical attention. Home health visits are often intermittent and limited. As Thorning notes, They last until recovery goals are met or the health care provider certifies the visits can continue. How To Decide What Type of In-Home Care Is BestThorning says its common for care needs to cross over these categories. For example, someone who needs a nurses help managing their lung disease at home may also need the housework-type help provided by a home care aide. Here are some additional thoughts to help with the decision:         Evaluate the individuals level of independence and medical needs. A person with lung disease may not need help around the house.         Consider the care recipients preferences and financial situation. Insurance (including Medicare/Medicaid) typically does not pay for in-home care or may pay only under limited circumstances.         Consult with healthcare professionals for tailored advice and guidance. What kind of care does the primary care physician recommend? Patients who are being discharged from a hospital or nursing home may also receive recommendations from the discharge staff. Remember, advises Thorning the goal for receiving care or assistance at home is to maintain the highest quality of life possible. If you are helping a loved one or friend decide on care, respect their wishes and needs as they age or recover in the comfort of their own home. Questions To Ask When Considering In-Home Care Providers As you research in-home care options, ask each provider these questions to ensure the company is reputable and will provide exceptional, quality care:         Are Social Security, federal and state taxes, and unemployment insurance paid? Are the caregivers bonded/insured? Are workers compensation and professional liability insurance paid? A trustworthy company will pay the taxes and insurance for its caregivers, so you are protected from legal and financial responsibility.         Is the required state licensing up to date? Have all caregivers undergone background checks, including references and criminal records?         Are supervisory home visits conducted to verify that quality care is being provided?  Asking these questions will help sort out which providers have a good reputation and are highly regarded in the community and which do not have these qualities. Above all else, ensure that dependable, quality care will be provided by people you can trust.About Right at Home of Grand Junction   2777 Crossroads Blvd Ste 3 Grand Junction, CO 81506 Our office of Right at Home is a locally owned and operated franchise office of Right at Home, LLC, serving the communities of Mesa, Garfield, Eagle, and Pitkin Counties.  For more information, contact Right at Home by Calling 970-697-1331 | Email: Care@gjhomecare.com | Web Address: www.gjhomecare.com  

Are you a family caregiver who is caring for a military veteran or service member? Do you worry that you dont have any experience in caregiving? Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you need a break? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you are not alone. According to PsychArmor, a nonprofit organization providing training on military cultural awareness to promote better communication with active and retired military personnel, the majority of military family caregivers are between the ages of 18 and 30 and have little to no experience with caregiving. They are also juggling starting a career and family, and possibly school while caring for a veteran. For many military caregivers, respite care may help lighten the load. Respite care is a temporary break for the family caregiver and the recipient. It involves another person caring for the veteran. Be sensitive to your loved ones feelingsWhile many military caregivers recognize that they would benefit from respite care, veterans are often resistant to having someone else look after them, and its important to understand why. According to PsychArmor:They could be embarrassed by their physical limitations or memory lapses that dont align with their military identity.Their career in the military involved serving others so being on the receiving end of service may be out of their comfort zone.The culture of leadership in the military instilled a sense of responsibility for and accountability to others that can make it difficult to accept care or ask for help.Share information about the benefitsDespite these reasons, its important that you communicate with your veteran or service member that respite care is necessary for your well-being and will be beneficial in sustaining your relationship outside of the caregiver and care recipient dynamic. Let them know that respite care has been proven to sustain the caregivers health and well-being, which should appeal to their desire to care for you.Consider your optionsOnce you can agree on respite care, consider your options. You can ask a friend, neighbor or someone from your faith community for help. That could involve someone coming to the house or taking the veteran to an activity or to run an errand. You can also consider a professional caregiving company like SYNERGY HomeCare. The cost of these services may be covered by VA benefits. You can also access the VAs Caregiver Support Line at 855-260-3274 to speak with a nurse or social worker who can provide you emotional support as well as connect you with community resources.Respite is an important component of caregiving that can sustain both the caregiver and the veteran for the long terma win-win for all involved. Learn more about the many ways SYNERGY HomeCare supports veterans and their caregivers.  877-432-2692SYNERGY HomeCare is committed to providing exceptional in-home care for veterans and their families. The majority of our locations are contracted with the VA and because of this, we make it easy for veterans and their families to use their VA benefits to get the in-home support they deserve. For additional home care resources for veterans and their caregivers.

There are plenty of reasons for family members to take care of aging or disabled loved ones. The role can be rewarding, bringing people closer to the people they love and allowing them to tailor care to their personal needs and preferences. But even the most dedicated family caregivers need a break to focus on their own well-being, especially around the busy holiday season. Thats where respite care comes in.Despite the fact that 1 out of every 5 Americans acts as a caregiver to a loved one, only 15% take advantage of respite care services available to them. Respite care can create better outcomes for caregivers and their loved ones alike. It gives family members time to rest and recharge so they can come back to the role with fresh eyes and renewed spirit.But what is respite care, and is it right for you? Lets take a look at the many benefits of hiring a home care agency to give you a helping hand when you need it.What is In-Home Respite Care?In-home respite care is a form of temporary relief from the responsibilities of caretaking. You get to set the termsit could mean hiring a professional aide for an afternoon, for several weeks, or anything in between. At ComForCare, our highly trained staff can come to your loved ones home to perform many of the duties you provide on a daily basis, including:Preparing meals and helping them eatHelping them groom, bathe, and dressProviding medication remindersGrocery shopping, picking up medications, and related errandsCoordinating care and transporting them to and from doctor appointmentsLight housekeepingUnlike adult day-care centers or respite care facilities, in-home care reduces the stress on your loved one by bringing care to them. They get to stay in their familiar environment with minimal disruption to their routineand you get a break to focus on your needs.Benefits of Respite CareManage Stress & Ward Off BurnoutOver half of family caregivers in an AARP survey reported that they experience moderate to high levels of stress related to their roles responsibilities. Combined with the added pressures of the holiday season, the winter months can quickly lead to burnout for those taking care of loved ones. Respite care gives you room to breathe, just like taking time off work. After all, though it can be deeply rewarding, caretaking is a form of labor. Working so hard without rest can take a serious toll on your mental health, which in turn can affect your ability to care for your loved one.Reduce Health Risks for Your Loved OneWhen were burnt out, busy, or bustling around more than usual, we can overlook important signs of illness or disease progression. Were only human, and can only focus on so many things at once. ComForCares home aides are specially trained to watch for warning signs that your loved one needs medical intervention or additional help. They can also provide you with a fresh perspective after months or even years of seeing your loved one every day.This is especially true if your loved one has recently suffered an injury or had a medical procedure. Temporary respite care during their recovery can reduce the risk of infection and rehospitalization. Its a way to optimize their healing process while taking some time to focus on your health, too.Find Support & a Social NetworkBetween 40% and 70% of family caregivers struggle with feelings of depression, often compounded or caused by isolation and loneliness. During this time of the year when were supposed to be celebrating togetherness, that struggle can begin to feel unmanageable. Not enough caregivers realize that there are support groups for people just like them, where they can come together, socialize, and share their experiences. Home care agencies like ComForCare can connect you with those resources.We do everything in our power to take care of our clientsand that means helping family caregivers just as much as it means assisting their loved ones with their daily needs. We have a wealth of knowledge about mental health resources and support systems, and were glad to share those with you while we give you a helping hand. Respite Care Isnt SelfishIts a GiftOne of the biggest hurdles to self-care can be feelings of guilt. Its easy to see taking time for yourself as a selfish act. But the reality is, taking a break is a gift to your loved one, too. Whether all you need is a day alone to catch up on errands or a week to take your first vacation in years, youll return as a more resilient, more compassionate, and more capable caregiver.At ComForCare, all of our employees are background checked, highly trained, and vetted for a passion for treating all their clients with dignity and respect. Whether they meet your loved one only once or on a regular basis, theyll provide the highest level of care so you can rest easy. To learn more about our work and find a schedule that will fit into your life and your budget, get in touch with us today!