[ photo by Yaroslav Shuraev ]

Respite care is short term relief for primary caregivers of aging parents.

I love the summertime so much, and to be honest, the only real negative of the summer is how fast it goes! I’m guessing that is the way it goes for most people. One aspect of summertime is the summer vacation. It seems like the majority of families who will take at least one vacation in the year will generally take it in the summer. Most families are able to plan their vacations for the dates and duration they prefer without much more thought beyond getting those selected days off for work. For many of you reading this blog post, however, planning a trip away is not always that easy. 

Many of you are the primary caregivers to an aging parent who cannot be left alone for very long periods of the day or even at all. How are you supposed to be able to plan a much needed trip away when your loved one needs constant care? There are options, and I wanted to spend a little time going through those options with you. 

(Related blog posts: Respite Care Services, Caring For Dementia Caregivers)

Respite care options.

The first one applies to those of you with siblings or other relatives or friends who are close to your aging parent. If you are the one serving as the primary caregiver to your parent, and you have other siblings, ask them to help out.

If you have multiple siblings, the time providing care to your parent while you are gone can be split up between any or all of the siblings or other relatives. Will it be a disruption? Sure it will, but it is still okay to ask them for help. Will it be a disruption for the aging parent to whom you are providing care? Maybe, but that is okay. Sometimes you just need a break, and having your loved one off of his or her normal routine for a few days or a week or so is okay. 

(Related blog post: Disagreement Over Care Of Aging Parent)

The next option is utilizing a skilled nursing facility that provides respite care. Many facilities do this. Your aging parent can stay for a few days up to many weeks. It just depends on how long you are planning to be gone. I would advise you to tour a few places to pick the one that would be a best fit for your loved one. Just as I said earlier, this change in location might be tough, but if this is what allows you some time away, then a temporary change to the routine is okay.

(Related blog post: Moving Elderly Parent)

The third option is hiring a home health care agency to provide respite care during the time you plan to be away. This can be costly, especially if your aging parent needs around the clock care, but this cost could be figured into the cost of your vacation. The cost could potentially alter where you go or how long you're gone, but if you can afford it, this is an excellent option. It keeps your parent in his or her usual home environment, which is generally less disruptive to them.

(Related blog post: Tax Breaks For Aging Parent Caregivers)

There are many agencies in the area where I live who provide this option. The care provided to your loved one does not have to be medical care. If your parent receives regular medical care, then those services should remain in place. The respite caregivers would supplement the care already there. I recommend having the agency or private person you hire come for a period of time a few different times prior to your trip so that both you and your loved one feels comfortable with this person.

It is vitally important to take time away from care giving responsibilities.

Respite care can take a lot of planning ahead. It can be expensive. It can be hard to ask for help or to admit you need a break. None of those things, however, outweigh the benefits of getting away and taking a break from the stress of providing care to your aging parent. You will be a better caregiver to your parent in the long run if you are able to take some time away to recharge yourself. If you have not planned some time away yet, hopefully this will prompt you to take the steps to make your much-needed vacation happen. 

(Related blog post: Laughter Is The Best Medicine)

Feeling overwhelmed with the process?

Afraid you may not make the right decision at the right time? This stage of life for you and your aging parent often brings more questions than answers. Reading information from a trusted source like me can help guide you in the process. However, if you still feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to reach out to me. I am happy to help with a personalized plan for your unique situation.

© 2022 Jessica Kluetz, DO