Options to give caregivers a break

"Respite:" A word you don't hear often in daily conversation. A search of synonyms produces words that may be more meaningful: break, breather, relief, let up, reprieve.   These words have a special meaning if you are one of the millions of individuals caring for an older adult.

As the population ages and life-spans increase, more people will become caregivers. According to the National Family Caregivers Association, 22.4 million households in the United States are currently serving in family care giving roles for persons over 50. Many of those caring for older adults often shoulder the additional responsibilities of family and full time work.  The combination is stressful for all parties and relationships can suffer.  Having the ability to take some time off from these duties is beneficial for both the caregiver and the person receiving care.  The caregiver has time to focus on his or her personal needs, take a vacation or just regroup emotionally.  Their family member is given the opportunity to socialize with new people and feel more independent.

Respite care takes different forms depending on individual needs.  Many older adults and their caregivers benefit from the services found at adult day centers.  These centers provide a well supervised place where older adults may stay for a few hours or the entire day while care givers are at work or simply taking needed time off.  Attendance varies according to individual needs; attendance may range from one to five days a week.  Day centers typically provide meals or snacks, plenty of recreational options, such as arts, crafts and games, outings in good weather and the chance to be with other older adults.  Some day centers also provide medication reminders and personal care and grooming services. 

In Rhode Island comprehensive adult day services are offered in many locations. More information is available on the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs website, www.dea.state.ri.us

Another important type of relief for caregivers, particularly for those caring for a loved one with memory loss, is a temporary stay at a senior care community.  Albion Court, an assisted living community serving individuals with Alzheimer's  and other types of memory loss in Lincoln, R.I., offers short term stays for as little as a few days.  This program is helpful if a caregiver needs a vacation or if their family member is recovering from an illness and temporarily requires additional care.   Respite care is a relatively new and much needed type of care for older adults and their families, particularly those coping with early stages of dementia.  Often, if an older adult is reluctant to move to a senior community, a respite stay can be a nice introduction to an assisted living setting. 

Rebecca Stearns, interim administrator of Albion Court, offered a more complete explanation of their respite program. 

"Our respite program is a wonderful option for families who need a rest from the stresses of care giving.  In fact, regular short term respite stays can help families successfully keep a loved one in their home longer than if they have not taken some time to rest," she said. "Often, the health of the caregiver fails before that of the individual for whom they are caring.  It's vital to protect the health and well being of the caregiver.

"Even though it's a short term stay, we do a thorough assessment to ensure a good understanding of each guest's needs. Since we specialize in serving people with Alzheimer's and other types of memory loss, we also consult with family members and the resident's physicians when putting together our respite care plan.  We are able to provide a very significant level of care and service in a warm, comfortable atmosphere.  Family members can feel confident that their loved one will enjoy their stay at Albion Court while receiving excellent care."

Well furnished private rooms are available for respite stays.  All meals, personal care assistance and medication assistance are included.  Guests and their families are invited to take part in all community activities. 

Caregivers and family members interested in respite care may call 401-333-4600 for more information about respite care or longer stays at Albion Court.  Information is also available at www.albionspecialcare.com