4 Common Concerns About Respite Home Care

At one point or another, many of us act as the caregiver for an aging spouse, parent, or grandparent. Most people find caregiving manageable in the early stages. But as your loved one ages and their needs become more intensive, you could find yourself at a growing risk for caregiver burnout. To avoid burnout, it’s crucial that you ask for help, either from other family members or through respite care services.

With traditional home care services, the majority of caregiving tasks are performed by professional caregivers, with family caregivers acting in a support role. With respite care, the roles are reversed. Family caregivers remain the primary care providers, but they’re supported by professional caregivers. This way, family caregivers can reduce their risk of suffering caregiver burnout.

With respite care, you can rely on professional caregivers to:

• Offer a helping hand with difficult or stressful care activities.
• Look after your loved one when you have other commitments.
• Help you find time to attend to your well-being.
• Provide guidance and support in confusing or difficult situations.

Despite the clear benefits of respite care, many people are hesitant to hire these services. Often, family caregivers feel guilty about reducing their caregiving workload. Other times, they worry about their loved one’s security and safety. In some instances, they’re concerned that in-home elder care is a bad fit for their finances, lifestyle, or schedule.

Thankfully, many of these concerns are easily addressed by hiring the right home care agency.

• Can my family afford respite services?

Respite services, like other types of home care, are typically provided by the hour. While hourly rates and minimum visit lengths will vary from agency to agency, this will give you financial flexibility when scheduling care. Most agencies will happily work with you to minimize home care costs, where possible.

• Will care be scheduled in a way that works for me and my loved one?

Do you need respite services for a specific day and time each week? Are you worried about maintaining your loved one’s routine? If so, you might be concerned about your options for respite care schedule. Once again, scheduling policies will vary between different agencies. However, the vast majority of respite care providers will provide you with options that fit your needs, routine, and lifestyle.

• How will caregivers respond to my loved one’s unique needs?

Caregiving is extraordinarily personal. Every care recipient has his or her unique needs, limitations, and preferences, so care must be customized on a person-to-person basis. A high-quality caregiving agency will take pains to personalize your senior’s care services.

• What if my loved one needs specialized care?

Seniors who are coping with significant physical or cognitive decline may require specialized care. If your loved one needs assistance with personal activities like bathing or toileting, you’ll need an agency that provides personal care services on a respite basis. Similarly, if your loved one is coping with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, you’ll need caregivers who are trained in memory care.

Learn more about respite care services and request a free consultation by contacting Visiting Angels Newton/Canton today!

About Visiting Angels Newton/Canton:

Visiting Angels Newton/Canton MA is an award-winning local home care agency providing in-home care services to the elderly and people with disabilities. Countless families have benefited from our Alzheimer's home care, dementia care, companion care, senior care, respite support, transitional aid, and at home living assistance in Canton, Stoughton, Westwood, Brookline, Watertown, Needham, Dedham, Norwood, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Chestnut Hill, Roslindale, and nearby towns.

We to have been awarded a Top Places to Work by the Boston Globe for five years. We have also earned the Best of Home Care – Leader in Excellence, Trusted Provider, Best of Home Care Provider, and Best of Home Care Employer by Home Care Pulse. We are proudly accredited by The Home Care Alliance of Massachusetts.

While non-medical in nature, the care provided by Visiting Angels Newton/Canton can make a significant impact on your loved one's happiness and quality of life. Call us at 617-795-2727 for information.