Taking a Vacation? Consider In-Home Respite Care for Your Senior Parents

Taking care of your elderly parents requires a lot of patience and time, which can be challenging. Sometimes, you just need a short-term break, otherwise known as “respite.” 

Using in-home respite care services can support and even strengthen your ability to be a caregiver after returning from your much-deserved break. If you are unfamiliar with in-home respite care, here’s our guide to how it works and what to expect with United Methodist Communities HomeWorks.

What is respite care?

This is a form of short-term care designed to fit in when family caregivers need it most, giving you a break to recharge and take care of personal responsibilities. No matter if it’s for a few hours, days or even weeks, these breaks are very important for managing stress and preventing burnout – helping you remain the best caregiver you can be.

Typical respite care services

Respite care services can take place in the home or during a temporary stay at an assisted living community, and can include any combination of senior care services, including:

• Companionship and supervision.
• Activities of daily living.  Assistance dressing, bathing, eating, going to the restroom, and medication management.
• Household assistance.  Light housework, laundry, meal preparation and running errands.
• Transportation.  Safe transport to and from social and medical appointments, as well as personal errands.
• Overnight care.  Supervision and assistance overnight.

Respite care can combine different services as they are needed, and can last as long or as short as you need it, making them the most flexible senior care option. Whether you want to have dinner with a friend, go away for a summer holiday or simply need a few days to yourself to unwind, respite care is there for you.

When do caregivers use respite care services?

 The simple answer is, “Whenever you need it!” Generally, family caregivers call in respite care services for the following reasons:

• When they need to take care of other family or career responsibilities
• When they need time off to recharge and relax
• For holidays or scheduled vacations
• To access more specialized care when their loved one is recovering from illness or surgery

Essentially, respite care provides you with a safety net. Respite allows you to take time off whenever you need it, while assuring that your loved one is in good, trustworthy hands.

Choosing respite care in Monmouth County, New Jersey

When choosing professional respite care, it’s important to ensure that the home health aides available have the skills and experience to provide the level of care your loved one needs. Make sure the agency you choose thoroughly screens and evaluates all of their home health aides and that they are upfront about the associated costs and services throughout the interview process. 

When you choose the right in-home care organization, you can enjoy your vacation the way you deserve – and come back stronger and more refreshed.

United Methodist Communities’ HomeWorks is dedicated to safe, compassionate respite care for older adults in New Jersey, that promotes an independent and abundant lifestyle for your senior loved one. In addition to assisting with daily tasks, errands and light housekeeping, our home health aides are fully trained in implementing the latest COVID-19 guidelines.

To find out more about our in-home respite care for seniors in NJ, please contact us today or visit our website at: https://umcommunities.org/homeworks/home-respite-care-services-nj/