Caregivers are the backbone of our society. Today, upwards of 30 million unpaid caregivers provide care to an adult 50 years or older in homes across America. According to AARP, the economic value of caregiving rivals that of Walmart, the world’s largest company. These statistics, however, hide an ugly truth: burnout among caregivers is high and rising. At least 11% of caregivers have reported an obvious decrease in physical health as a result of their caregiving efforts. If you’re a caregiver, you don’t have to shoulder your burdens alone. Consider respite care programs for seniors in the local Bergen County area to give Grandma the care she needs.
How The Elderly And Their Caregivers Benefit From Respite Care Programs For Seniors
By definition, respite care is short-term care. It allows you to keep cherished family members at home, while you take a short break. This break can last anywhere from a few short hours to several days. Basically, respite care is used when the caregiver:
- Needs to recharge
- Must attend an event, formal function, or meeting
- Has to tackle personal, financial, or health issues
- Must attend to family errands
- Wants to ease the caregiving recipient into life at a senior or assisted living community
Paying For Respite Care
Paying for respite care need not be burdensome. Medicare covers respite care that is associated with hospice care. Meanwhile, the Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) also covers respite care in some non-hospice situations. If your state offers a PACE program, you should be able to find it here. Additionally, contact your city’s Area Agency on Agency for resources on how to pay for respite care.
Types Of Respite Care Programs For Seniors
- Companion care from a home health agency: Skilled caregivers provide light housekeeping, meal preparation, grooming, and transportation to doctors’ appointments. Specifically, companions provide important emotional support to seniors.
- Assisted living at a senior daycare center: Take a break while Grandma socializes with her peers under the watchful eye of professionals.
- Homemaker or personal maid services: Homemaker aides shop, run errands, perform housekeeping chores, and prepare meals for seniors who can no longer complete these tasks.
- Home health aide services from a home health agency: Home health aides help with Activities of Daily Living (ADL), such as feeding, bathing, toileting, and dressing.
David York Agency Understands The Importance Of Respite Care Programs For Seniors
With a little planning and the right help, you can fulfill your responsibilities without compromising the care your loved one in Bergen County receives.
If you need more information about David York Agency’s qualified, compassionate caregivers, contact us at 908.373.5300. A free phone consultation can help you decide what services might be best. We aim to provide you and your loved one with the assistance needed. If you’d like to hear more from us, please like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter or LinkedIn.
We’d also like to assure you that you can get answers to your immediate concerns by contacting us today.
