Being a caregiver to a senior family member is a meaningful and incredibly important role – but it’s also important to recognize the toll that it can take. Balancing caregiving with your own responsibilities (to other family members and yourself) can be a challenge. This is where respite care can help.

This article will discuss what respite care means and what you should know about in-home respite care, including the benefits, what exactly it involves, and how it can be financed.

In short, senior respite care is designed to provide temporary relief for the family caregiver. A professional caregiver comes in on a short-term basis to provide care when you need to take a moment away. This takes some of the stress off of your shoulders, allowing you to step away from your duties and address other needs in your life.

This type of care can be used for whatever you may require, and can last anywhere from just a few hours to a couple of weeks. Maybe you need someone to care for your loved one while you go away on vacation, or maybe you just need an afternoon to deal with errands. It can even be regularly scheduled to ensure you’re consistently giving yourself the time you need to rest and tend to the other responsibilities in your life.

As a caregiver, you play an essential role in your family member’s life. Respite care doesn’t replace you, but rather is a beneficial tool for alleviating some of the pressure associated with caregiving. Your loved one is cared for by an experienced professional during respite care, meaning you can take the time you need to recharge and take care of yourself. Ultimately, reaching out for support and prioritizing your own wellbeing allows you to perform your role as the primary caregiver even better.

Let’s talk through the primary benefits of respite care for caregivers.

Reduces Stress for the Family Caregiver
Seeking support (even on a short-term basis) can have a major impact on a family caregiver. Every primary caregiver has responsibilities outside of taking care of their loved one, including going to medical appointments, completing daily household tasks, spending time with other family members, and so much more.

Without extra support, it can be easy to put many of these responsibilities and needs off. Putting your life on hold to take care of your loved one full time can lead to chronic fatigue. Respite care can help you find the right balance to ensure you are tending to your life outside of caregiving.

Gives Time to Recharge
Beyond taking time off to address your other responsibilities, respite care can be used when you need to slow down and recharge. Caring for someone else is a huge responsibility, and working consistently without giving yourself a break puts yourself at risk of caregiver burnout. Respite care can give you the time for a much-needed and well-deserved break.

Enhances the Care the Family Caregiver is Able to Provide
You’ve likely heard the phrase “you can’t pour from an empty cup.” Whether you’re feeling higher-than-usual levels of stress or are experiencing caregiver burnout, you won’t be able to provide the best possible care when you’re on edge. By getting outside support, you are caring for yourself so that you can in turn better care for your loved one.

Provides Enrichment for the Person Being Cared For
Respite care can benefit the person being cared for, as well. Your loved one likely spends most of their time with you, but it’s important to remember the benefits of socializing with more than one person – especially given how prone seniors are to feelings of isolation. When someone else comes in to provide care, this adds variety to your family member’s routine, giving them a chance to interact and talk with someone new.

Professional Caregivers Provide Additional Knowledge and Resources
Bringing in a professional caregiver also means that you have another highly trained resource at your disposal. They may be able to provide extra services that you or other family members aren’t able to. On top of that, the professional can share additional insight and knowledge to ensure your family member is given the best care possible.

It’s understandable that you may feel wary about seeking extra help, especially if you’ve taken on the bulk of the responsibility of caring for your family member. When considering respite care for family caregivers, many experience feelings of anxiety and even guilt handing over that responsibility and leaving their loved one with someone else.

Keep in mind that bringing in an additional set of hands is beneficial for both you and your family member. Doing so is essential, as it gives you the freedom to take care of your own needs while ensuring their care is consistent. In the end, this helps you provide them with the highest quality care – both when you’re caring for them yourself, as well as when a professional provider temporarily steps in.

Respite care for the elderly will vary based on their specific needs and what you discuss with the caregiver, but it can include:

While standard insurance does not cover home respite care costs, there are several avenues that you can take to finance this level of care. This can include:

Note that these are all options for covering respite care services in the comfort of your loved one’s home, as well as in assisted living facilities. In addition, there are senior day cares and other centers that can provide care. These are typically cheaper, but do not offer the same level of personal attention.

A great way to find a quality respite care provider is by tapping into your community. Talk to your family member’s primary care physician to see if they are able to provide any recommendations, or consider asking a trustworthy friend who has previously used respite care services.

Beyond getting referrals from your community, you can also seek out provider recommendations from national and local organizations. The Family Caregiver Alliance is an excellent resource, and you can also do a search for local senior groups that may have recommendations.

Asking for help can be difficult, but it is essential because you need to take care of yourself in order to better fulfill your role as primary caregiver. Seeking out a respite caregiver ultimately helps you provide the highest level of care for your loved one, all while ensuring you balance your responsibilities and prioritize your personal needs.