When loved ones of an advanced age begin to reach the end of their journey, emotions can run high. This is perfectly normal. Many factors contribute to the pain, stress, and anxiety one feels when older family members begin to decline. Love is a primary contributor here, but many other things can influence how one feels during this time. As someone ages, they become more vulnerable to injury and illness, which can require increased levels of care. Someone may require personal care, such as getting dressed, bathing, and doing daily activities. Medical care in the form of treatment, medication, and therapies, or cognitive care for seniors who suffer from memory loss and cognitive issues. When thinking about respite vs. hospice care, the question becomes: what’s the difference?
There are many options available to those who find themselves in this situation. For more clarification on this difference or to learn more about senior respite care services, contact the team at Buckner Westminster Place by calling 903.329.6520.
Hospice vs. Respite Care: Understanding the Difference
Respite care and hospice are two entirely different entities. Much of this confusion stems from the fact that Medicare coverage offers respite care as a benefit of hospice care.
Understanding Hospice
Hospice care is reserved for the terminally ill or nearing their departure. Treatment in hospice care focuses on easing pain and making patients comfortable during their final moments. They offer around-the-clock, 24/7 supervision from nurses and staff explicitly trained in hospice care and pain management. Respite care, on the other hand, serves an entirely different purpose.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is short-term and can last anywhere from a few hours to days or weeks. Respite care may be required by those in charge of someone who suffers from:
- Blindness
- A stroke
- Cancer
- Brain injury
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Dementia
In most cases, respite care offers a brief reprieve for at-home caregivers who may feel overwhelmed or need a leave of absence. Respite care can occur in various locations, such as at home, in a certified daycare center, or in a residential community.
Choosing Respite Care vs. Hospice Care
If you find yourself in the position of needing to choose between respite care and hospice care, it is crucial to evaluate your loved one’s needs.
Hospice Care
Hospice care, a highly specialized form of care, is designed to provide comfort and support to those at the end of their lives. If your loved one is facing a terminal illness and their doctors estimate they have six months or less to live, opting for hospice care could be more appropriate than traditional senior living services. This type of care focuses on palliative treatments, emphasizing pain relief and emotional support rather than curative measures, ensuring the remaining time is as comfortable and meaningful as possible.
Respite Care
Respite care may be right if you can normally manage your loved one’s care, but you need a break to recharge. These services also provide opportunities for healthy interactions with senior living professionals and seniors their age.
The main difference between hospice and respite care is that you can expect to be able to resume normal care of your loved one after a respite care stay.
What Services Do Respite Care Programs Offer?
Respite care offers the same services that a caregiver provides at home. However, respite services are conducted by highly trained nurses who understand the ins and outs of elderly care to deal with the needs of seniors. They are trained in personal and medical care and can offer social activities to keep their patient stimulated and engaged. Some of the services provided by respite care providers are:
- Bathing
- Getting dressed
- Adhering to meal schedules
- Medication monitoring
- Mobility assistance
- Transportation assistance
- Housekeeping
- Laundry services
- Social engagement
Time becomes more precious as someone enters the final stages of life, and family caregivers often try to make each moment matter as much as possible. But, these caregivers are human, and a great deal of stress and anxiety can arise from caring for loved ones of advanced age.
This stress can lead to frustration, which can accumulate into anger and resentment. This is no one’s fault, as frustration is a natural response to the difficulty of taking care of an elderly family member. Respite care offers a break to both parties while providing an opportunity for caregivers to learn how to properly care for their loved ones from respite staff.
Learn More About Respite Care for Seniors at Buckner Westminster Place
Respite care is a wonderful option for those who must take a leave of absence from their caregiving responsibilities. However, finding a respite care program that someone can trust comes with a host of stress-inducing issues. How can you know if a program can meet the needs of their loved one?
At Buckner Westminster Place, located in Longview, Texas, we offer a wide range of respite care services undertaken by a staff of dedicated, experienced professionals who want nothing more than to provide the best care possible. You can schedule a respite care appointment today, by calling us at 903.329.6520. You can also fill out our online form and let us get back to you.