Respite Care 101

As summer quickly approaches, are you holding off on planning your family vacation because you don’t want to leave your senior loved one home alone? If this sounds like the situation your family is facing, respite care can be the perfect solution for everyone. In this article, our respite caregivers in NJ will explain what respite care is, what it includes, and what qualifications the caregivers must have. 

What is Respite Care

If you’re a caregiver for a senior loved one, respite care is when you get a break from being a full-time caregiver while someone else takes over for a period of time. Caregiver burnout is very common and very real, and everyone needs time to themselves to rest and recharge. Respite care can be for a few hours during the day in your home or a few days at a senior living community if you plan on traveling. 

At UMC, we offer respite care that gives you total peace of mind knowing that your loved one is being cared for to the highest standard. 

Are There Special Qualifications for Respite?

Respite care workers must be CPR-certified, they must pass various background checks, and in many cases, they must be licensed as a Certified Home Health Aide or Certified Nursing Assistant. In addition to credentials, respite workers must be patient, compassionate, understanding, and flexible, withexcellent communication skills. They should be able to physically move their patients if necessary, and they’ll likely need a vehicle to transport their patients. 

Respite workers should also have experience keeping track of medications and administering them properly, and feel comfortable communicating with doctors and pharmacists when necessary. 

What’s included in in-home respite vs. senior community respite?

In-home respite services can include the following:

• Food shopping and meal preparation
• Light housekeeping 
• Assisting with medication
• Bathing and dressing
• Driving to and from appointments and other errands

Respite services in senior communities often include:

• All meals provided
• Daily activities
• The opportunity to try new hobbies
• Socialization with peers
• Daily exercise, if your loved one’s mobility allows for it 

Many respite care services are customizable to your loved one’s needs, and the level of support they will receive depends on their situation. At UMC, we offer everything from support with ADL’s to support with complex medical needs. 

How can I get my loved one started?

If you’re interested in exploring respite care services at UMC, please give us a call today so we can learn more about your senior loved one and the level of care they require. We offer on-site respite care for seniorsat our four full-service assisted living communities in NJ, and we are equipped to deal with all different types of mobility and health needs. 

Don’t delay your family’s summer vacation any longer because you’re afraid to leave your senior loved one alone for a few days. We have trained and qualified respite carers who will ensure your loved one stays happy, healthy, and safe while you’re away. Nothing is more important than family, and we’ll take excellent care of yours.

For more information about respite care for your family, please contact our team at UMC today or visit our website: https://umcommunities.org