The Facts about Respite for seniors

Welcome to the sandwich generation; the generation where your twenty-somethings are moving back home after finishing college and before finding a job and your aging parents are declining rapidly. For many families in NJ the challenges and stress of caring for an elderly or chronically ill or disabled family member are just part of life.

When you become overwhelmed, or you need to go out of town but you are the one person responsible for your mother or father’s care, what are your options? If you don’t have family, friends or a member of your community who can help, or if you do have these but you are concerned that your parent needs more support than you can ask someone who isn’t a professional to give, Respite Care For Seniors in Jackson NJ is a good option.

What is Respite Care?

The definition of respite care is temporary care of a dependent elderly, ill, or handicapped person, providing relief for their usual caregivers.

Why Consider Respite?

Just when you thought you were stretched as thinly as you possibly could be,something else gets added to your demanding task list. Care-giving for a parent is both draining and fulfilling. As you become equipped with the skills you need to organize medications, deal with emotional issues, mobility challenges and declining memory you can become more fatigued both physically and emotionally. As the old saying goes, “you can’t pour from an empty cup”- taking time to yourself is vital.

What are Respite Care Options?

For respite care in Jackson there are a few options to consider.

1. In-home respite respite can sometimes be provided. Service can last from a few hours to overnight and maybe arranged through an agency. This popular choice allows your loved one to remain at home but gives you a break. Highly trained and well screened personal care providers assist your loved one with their daily living skills such as bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting. They can also support meal preparation or even take your loved one to their medical appointments.
2. Out of home respite care services at an adult day center that’s designed for older adults and is similar to the concept of daycare. This is a good choice for adults who can no longer manage independently or who feel isolated and lonely but aren’t is late stage dementia or bedridden. This is a planned service that operates Monday through Friday in a safe supportive environment that accommodates the needs of your loved.
3. Residential respite programs offer temporary care for varying lengths of time. (average length would be a 48 hour stay) Care usually happen in group homes, nursing homes or hospitals and they provide planned services that allow you to have a schedules break.

Which choice is best depends on:

• the care level required for your loved one
• the mental and physical health of your loved one
• cost

Have confidence that support workes are well-screened and that your loved one would understand that you need time to care for yourself.