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How to Get Respite Care for the Elderly

Nurse holding hands with elderly woman in respite care

Life’s journey is filled with ups and downs, soaring peaks, and trench-like lows. One of the greatest aspects of this journey is the friends and loved ones we find along the way. Sometimes, we need to rely on those loved ones for help. Everyone experiences stress in times of hardship, and having someone who can be relied on can make a world of difference. Everyone needs a caregiver at some point in life, and this assistance can be especially beneficial to those in their senior years.

Seniors often require additional physical and emotional support during their day-to-day activities. There are many options available concerning senior care, ranging from professional medical assistance and independent living facilities to full-time around-the-clock supervision. Still, some prefer to stay home and be cared for by loved ones. By staying at home, seniors can remain in a familiar setting, surrounded by familiar faces. Even in these situations, however, additional support can be required. Family-led senior care can feel like full-time, but with life comes obstacles, and sometimes a leave of absence is required. In these moments, it’s essential to know what options are available. At Westminster Place, we provide a wide variety of retirement services, including respite care for the elderly.  To learn more about respite care for the elderly, contact us at 903.329.6520 today.

What Is Respite Care for the Elderly?

In its most basic form, respite care is short-term care provided to seniors while their primary caregivers are absent. This could be due to work or school-related responsibilities or simply because a primary caregiver needs some time off. Regardless of the reason, respite care is a form of elderly assistance that can be relied upon on short notice and in many settings. Respite care for the elderly can occur in their home or a specialized facility. Respite care can last from a few days to a few weeks and guarantees that the needs of older adults are met while a primary caregiver is away. During this time, respite care providers take on various responsibilities, depending on the level of care required. Care can be minimal for those who lead mostly independent lives, but higher levels of care are available for those with physical or mental health issues.

What Services does Respite Care Provide?

A respite care professional can provide a wide range of services. Before receiving respite assistance, respite care providers will create a respite care plan based on information provided by primary caregivers. For those who require higher levels of care, respite care plans may include consultation from senior primary care physicians to ensure that medical needs are met. Some of the most common services associated with respite care are:

  • Meal planning
  • Eating Assistance
  • Grocery shopping
  • Transportation
  • Bathing
  • Assistance getting dressed
  • Medication monitoring
  • Daily planning and scheduling
  • Social activities
  • Arts and crafts

One of the essential services that respite care professionals can provide is companionship. Although medical and psychological needs are a significant priority for respite caregivers, so are happiness and emotional well-being. While meeting all other needs, respite care professionals are trained to provide social and intellectual stimulation to keep the mind strong and active.

Discover the Respite Care Services for the Elderly at Westminster Place

The idea of leaving an elderly loved one in the hands of a stranger can be stressful. That is why it is essential to find qualified professionals that all parties can trust. Since 1954, Westminster Place has strived to provide the best care possible to all who receive our services. We hold trust in the highest regard and have strived to go above and beyond for those who rely on us. For more information on respite care for the elderly or to schedule an appointment today, contact us at 903.329.6520.