Respite Care: Key Benefits and Tips for Family Caregivers

As the holidays approach, many family caregivers have reached out to us to enroll their loved ones with dementia in our respite care program.

You may be wondering what respite care is. If so, you’re not alone. Many of those who are caring for a loved one with dementia in their home may not be aware that some memory care communities offer what is referred to as “respite care”, a short stay in a community for their loved one to give the caregiver some much needed time to take care of personal business and re-charge. It can be especially helpful over the holidays, as families are extra busy shopping and planning for family get togethers.

Our Anthem Memory Care communities offer respite care and families have told us how glad they were to have been able to use this service and the valuable time it gave them and their families. Many of the individuals with dementia liked what they experienced and have gone on to become full-time residents.

There are several benefits to registering your loved one with dementia into a respite care program.

1. It gives you as well as them a well-deserved break. What do we mean by this? As caregiver, you can use the respite to keep doctors’ appointments, enjoy some time with friends and family and just relax and re-charge. It also gives your loved one a break, along with a fresh change of scenery. New sights and experiences are healthy for individuals with dementia.  
2. It provides an opportunity for your loved one to experience memory care firsthand. They may have all kinds of preconceived notions as to what a community is like. These short stays can offer socialization opportunities, engaging activities, and professional care tailored to their needs.
3. It lets everyone in your family explore a memory care community for your loved one without a long-term commitment. Trying it out can reveal benefits your family may not have been aware of. It may also get the conversation going in terms of looking into full time memory care.

Not all respite care programs are the same, however, so it is important to do some research on local communities and learn more about their programs, amenities, and philosophy. You can also learn is included for your loved one. Make it a point to visit a few care communities before you decide upon one. Ask questions. Dig into the details. Learn more about their care and programs. You need the assurance that your loved one will be in expert and loving hands.

Some tips for planning respite care for your loved one:

1. Arrange for a tour of the community and be prepared with a list of questions. Approach it as if you were planning on a permanent arrangement with your loved one. This is because we’ve found many of our respite care residents end up coming back to us as permanent residents. Asking the important questions up front can help you make a better decision downstream.
2. Prepare your loved one in advance. Make it clear that this is a short-term arrangement and that they will be coming home. Explain to them exactly what they can expect. If possible, arrange for them to accompany you for a short walk-through of the community.
3. Give yourself (and loved one) enough time. While some respite programs can be as short as two weeks, we generally recommend a respite of 30 days. This gives the family a break and gives the individual a chance to fully adjust to the community.
4. Ask for updates. Ask the community to send along photos and updates throughout the stay.
5. Follow up with the community. Ask them how your loved one did. What activities did they participate in? What did they like the best? What challenges did they experience, if any?

If you are like most family caregivers, you give your time freely and completely every day to support the needs of your loved one as well as other members of your family. That selflessness, while admirable, can take a toll on your mental and physical health. Respite care can reduce stress by providing the break you need to pay some attention to yourself. You deserve it.

Feel free to reach out to any of our Anthem Memory Care communities and ask about their respite care program. They’ll be happy to explain all the details and answer any questions you may have. We’re always here to help!