If you’re a family caregiver, you know that providing support for your loved one can feel like a full-time job. Finding a balance between caretaking and other responsibilities can be overwhelming, but with a Respite Provider, your loved one receives the care they need while giving you time to rest and recharge.
Respite settings range from adult day programs, in-home care, and nights and weekends support and are provided by professional care or community agencies, faith-based organizations or private caretakers. Every family’s situation is unique so asking lots of questions is important, such as: Are your caretakers insured, bonded or certified? Will there be a care plan in place? What tasks are included (bathing, meal prep, medication assistance, transfers, etc.)?
What happens if my caretaker is sick? What kinds of payment do you accept (Medicaid, Medicare, VA, long-term care insurance, respite grant funding, private insurance, private pay)?
Using a respite provider can help protect the relationship you have with the person you’re caring for; allowing you to “just” be their son, daughter, husband or wife. Sometimes when you are so focused providing care, it’s easy to lose sight of being a family. However, with someone else involved in the day-to-day, such as providing personal care, helping around the house or providing a day out for the person you’re caring for, it allows you to focus on your role within the family.
Additional resources listed below will aid in a provider search and answer many commonly asked questions.
• Navigating Respite Care in Colorado: https://www.coloradore-spitecoalition.org
• Area Agency on Aging- Aging and Disability Resources: http://denverregion.co.networkofcare.org/aging
• Aging Well Jefferson County Resources: https://www.jeffco.us/2694/Aging-Well-Resources
• How to Choose and Adult Day Program: https://www.nadsa.org/consumers/choosing-a-center
Aging Well in Jefferson County is a strategic planning project focused on developing and implementing strategies to create inclusive, livable communities through sustainable partnerships and integrated services.
The Caregiving & Supports Workgroup is one of six Workgroups addressing all aspects of life of aging residents in Jefferson County. For more information, please email us at AgingWell@jeffco.us.