PLANNING AHEAD: RESPITE CHOICES By Rachel Crisp Philips To best prepare for the next stages of life, planning for care services well in advance can go a long way to provide peace of mind and well-being for the patient and their loved ones. With so many end-of-life decisions facing seniors, it’s necessary to discuss the patient’s wishes long before agerelated illnesses begin to take hold. RESPITE CARE For temporary relief, otherwise known as respite, to regular caregivers, respite care is a family home service that provides an option for short-term health assistance. A period of respite 12
care can be a much-needed break for family members that take on the caregiver role. After all, no one can give much to others when their own well has run dry. In essence, respite services cover anything that the primary caregiver would provide. These tasks may include routine hygiene, assisting with getting dressed, administration of medications, conducting therapeutic treatments, planning and preparing meals, shopping, and other aspects of caring for another person. As such, respite care is meant to serve as a complete replacement for the standard caregiver. With a need for individual attention,
respite care is customized to fit each unique patient. Some respite caregivers may even be trained in other treatments, such as physical therapy or management of medication, in order to expand the services they can offer. Additionally, respite services provide one-on-one attention and mental stimulation for the individual. Even in the short-term, a respite caregiver can provide conversation, outings, games, and other forms of social companionship. Another way to secure respite care is to look into Adult Day Care centers. These facilities offer a safe environment where the patient can interact with others who are in
