People who have Alzheimer's disease experience increasingly severe symptoms with time, resulting in the eventual need for constant supervision and care. Often, this means living in the home of a caring family member who serves as his or her primary caregiver. Alzheimer's caregivers are faced with the demanding duty of caring for their loved one's needs while upholding other responsibilities and relationships in their own lives at the same time. It is not uncommon for caregivers to experience high levels of stress stemming from their efforts to balance everyday responsibilities with the need to provide care for their loved one with Alzheimer's disease. Respite care is short term care that can prove to be extremely beneficial to both caregivers and Alzheimer's patients.
Respite care services are often offered by Alzheimer's care facilities which specialize in full time residential care. Respite care gives caregivers the free time they need, and affords patients the opportunity to socialize and participate in stimulating activities in a safe, supervised environment. Taking a break from care giving obligations can give caregivers the mental break they need to rejuvenate and nurture other relationships in their lives.
If you are an Alzheimer's caregiver and are considering respite care, it may be most beneficial to identify the appropriate facility based on the same characteristics you would seek in a full time residential care home. Having attended respite care at a particular home can make your loved one's transition much smoother in the case that he or she is eventually moved into the same full time residential care home. When visiting a care facility which offers respite care, obtain information about the facility and the staff as thoroughly as you would if you were seeking full time care. Observe the activity participation level of other residents in the home, the staff to resident ratio, treatment of residents and guests and whether there exists a secure outdoor area for residents of the home to enjoy. Collect general information such as the hours of operation, the requirements for admission, total cost and to what extent you may be involved with your family member during his or her stay. Also, ask questions regarding the facility's ability to accommodate any unique needs of residents, such as dietary restrictions or medications.
Respite care may give you just the break you need in order to rejuvenate and maintain balance among the different areas of your life, resulting in less stress and thus a better ability to tend to the needs of your loved one upon his or her return home.
About the Author: John Trevey is the manager of The Breckinridge, a Lexington nursing home specializing in Alzheimer's care. For more information, please visit www.thebreckinridge.com
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