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The term "respite care" refers to a wide range
of services intended to give temporary rest and relief to families caring
for their loved ones. Respite care can be provided for an hour, a day, a
week, or longer. It can be provided in the home or in another setting The
goal is to enable the caregiver to attend to other duties, participate in
social activities and take vacations without sacrificing their loved ones
continuity of care, security and peace of mind.
Both the caregiver and the care receiver benefit from
respite services. The caregiver receives immediate, although temporary,
relief from their daily tasks and responsibilities. This can help to reduce
stress and lessen the burden of care-giving. The
care receiver has the opportunity to
socialize with others and participate in new activities.
There are many respite care providers and facilities
that can provide adult day care and overnight services. The costs vary
with the services needed. Medicare does not pay for these services. Some
long-term care insurance policies may provide coverage. Most of the costs,
however, are paid for by the care receiver or the family.
If you need additional information regarding financial
or long term care services, call Senior and Disabled Services, Information
and Referral, 682-4038; l-800-441-4038; TTY 682-4567. Request a resource
assessment and an evaluation of your long-term care needs.
It is important to visit several facilities to compare
services and to determine if you are comfortable with what is provided.
The goal of these services is to provide socialization, safety and
assistance with activities of daily living for the care receiver. The
following questions may help you to make your final choice:
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What kinds of activities and personal care services
are provided?
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What hours and days are services available? Are
overnight services available?
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What are the rates for services? Hourly, daily,
overnight, weekly?
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Do they take individuals who are incontinent?
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Do they specialize in caring for individuals with
Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease?
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Who provides the services? What is their training?
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Is it a secured facility?
Respite Care Providers: The
following is a list of possible sources for respite care.
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Friends, relatives, neighbors and church groups
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Adult day care programs
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In-Home Service Providers
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Nursing homes, residential care facilities, foster
homes
In-Home Care Providers: These
providers can be individuals or agencies offering a wide range of in-home
services. Refer to the Yellow Pages of the phone directory (page 383).
Services are listed under 'Home Health Services". When you call for
services be prepared to describe the special care needs of the care
receiver
There are support groups that offer encouragement to
caregivers and their families.
In Eugene, telephone the Alzheimer's Association
office @ (541) 345-8392, for information about a group near you. If you need further
assistance with discussing the care needs of your loved one please call or
visit the Alzheimer's Association. 1238 Lincoln Street, Eugene, Oregon
97401. Phone (541) 345-8392.
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