Vacation Season Magnifies Caregivers’ Dilemma
This article was written by my Long-Term Care specialist colleague, Duncan Winton.
Vacation Season Magnifies Caregivers’ Dilemma
It’s summertime and, as the song goes, the living is easy. But that’s not necessarily true for the estimated 34 million Americans who are caregivers[1]. Long term care giving describes a spectrum of responsibilities, from overseeing long-distance care to care given in person. Long term care can run the gamut from help with medical appointments, to help dressing and bathing, to even housekeeping and yard maintenance.
The heaviest burden falls on the shoulders of those who live with the person needing care. While even professional caregivers can burnout, the stress caused by round-the-clock care by unpaid friends and family members can be a recipe for disaster. The cost of care giving can be both physical and mental, from exhaustion to depression. According to the CDC, over half (53%) of caregivers indicate that a decline in health has compromised their ability to provide care.[2]
Caregivers who see neighbors and friends planning summer day trips and vacations may wonder when and how they will ever get a break. Many are unaware that several options exist to give them a much-needed break, and allow them to recharge their batteries. The caregivers’ dilemma is this: in order to provide the best care for their loved one, they must occasionally take a break to care for themselves.
Respite Care Offers Relief
Respite care refers to short-term breaks in care giving responsibilities. Respite care may mean a temporary move to an assisted living facility or nursing home, allowing a caregiver to take a vacation. Details on facility-based respite care can be learned by calling either the Director of Marketing or Director of Admissions at a facility.
Ongoing respite care can allow the caregiver the opportunity to do grocery shopping, socialize with friends, or even to exercise at a gym. It can be arranged through a variety of sources. Providers of respite care include adult day health programs, visitation by volunteers through a church or community group, or even companion care through a non-medical home care agency.
Long Term Care Insurance Often Pays for Respite Care
Many long term care insurance policies will pay for respite care. The benefit is typically equal to approximately one month of benefits in each policy year. The respite care benefit can make it possible for informal caregivers to get a break by taking advantage of professional services. This benefit is often available without first having to meet a deductible.
Modern long term care giving is often more like a marathon than a sprint. Proper self care, including a break from care giving duties, is critical to the caregiver being able to go the distance.
[1] Family Caregiver Alliance “34 million adults (16% of population) provide care to adults 50+ years.” http://www.caregiver.org/caregiver/jsp/content_node.jsp?nodeid=439
[2] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov/aging/caregiving/