What is Respite Care?
Respite care provides short-term relief for primary caregivers. It can be arranged for just an afternoon or for several days or weeks.
Respite Care Costs
Respite services charge by the hour or by the number of days or weeks that services are provided. Most insurance plans do not cover these costs. You must pay all costs not covered by insurance or other funding sources. Medicare will cover most of the cost of up to 5 days in a row of respite care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility for a person receiving hospice care. Medicaid also may offer assistance.
How to Find Respite Care
Make sure any respite care service, program, or facility is licensed in your state and has insurance in case of an accident. You can also ask for the credentials, insurance, or experience of any care provider, and talk to them ahead of time.
If you care for more than one loved one, like both of your parents, check whether certain care programs will look after multiple people.
Other important questions to ask before you set up respite care include:
- How long can respite care sessions last?
- Does the facility offer transportation?
- What services are included in the price?
- How far in advance do I need to book sessions or stays?
- What kind of special training do the caregivers have?
- How do you evaluate caregivers?
- What plans do you have for fire or weather emergencies?
- How does the program or facility keep track of patients’ medical conditions or medications?
Respite Care Costs
The cost of respite care depends on the type of agency, the services you use, and how long you need it. Some long-term care insurance policies will cover it, and Medicare and Medicaid may help. But most other insurance won’t pay for respite care. Check your policy to find your out-of-pocket costs.
You might qualify for help through government or private programs. Check with your state’s developmental disabilities agency or your area agency on aging to learn more about what’s available. Caregiver groups and nonprofits that focus on specific conditions, such as the Alzheimer’s Association, also have resources.
Respite Care Obstacles
The first obstacle might be admitting that you need a break. You can become so focused on caring for another person that you feel like you can’t take time to look after yourself, too. Let yourself take breaks now and then so you don’t get mentally, emotionally, and physically drained. When you come back, you’ll be able to focus more energy on your role, and that will be a boost for the person you’re caring for.
Do your research to find the options that work best for your situation and how you can pay for it. When you’re looking at a specific program, ask as many questions as you need, and get references or referrals to help set your mind at ease.
Be open with your loved one and the rest of your family about why you need respite care and what you’re planning. They might want to be involved in the process.
Call Brooklyn Community Estate at (641) 522-9263 for more information. If possible, let your loved one take part. This will make you both feel more at ease with respite care.
