What do we know about what supports caregivers of older adults? In previous columns I suggested six things; a notebook (can we link to previous columns?), knowledge, skills, a plan, occasional respite, and our continued friendship with the person receiving care.
This column is about respite care. Most people associate respite with service-providing care in relief of a primary caregiver, but it can be more subtle. Relief may be an effect, coming from support other than substitute care such as information, friendly visitors, a delivered meal that does not have to be prepared, someone else to set up the week’s medications. Careful discernment about what caregivers find provides them with relief is important as one size does not fit all.
Publicly funded respite service has been traditionally offered primarily to live in caregivers which can create eligibility issues. How can the granddaughter who lived in the apartment above her nana, the primary caregiver, though not in the same unit be supported. New England has many such households, and most services recognize this as a respite situation.
Respite care gives family caregivers a temporary break from caregiving duties — anywhere from hours to a few weeks — so they can rest, handle other responsibilities, get to their medical appointments, or just recharge. It is one of the most important tools for preventing caregiver burnout.
Types include In-home respite — a paid aide, trained volunteer, or companion comes to the house to be with the person while the caregiver steps out or rests.
Adult day programs — the person with dementia spends the day (often with structured activities, meals, and social engagement) at a center, and the caregiver has the day free.
Residential/overnight respite — short-term stays (days to a few weeks) at an assisted living facility, nursing home, or memory care community. Useful for longer breaks, like a caregiver's own medical procedure or a vacation.
Informal respite — other family members, friends, or faith/community groups stepping in for a few hours.
How people typically pay for it:
· Out of pocket
· Long-term care insurance (if the policy covers it)
· VA has specific respite programs for eligible veterans
· Aging agencies such as the Aging and Disability Resource Center for Hillsborough County may have funds. Conveniently located in the heart of downtown Nashua in the same building as the Nashua Senior Activity Center 603-598-4709
· Visiting Nurses respite care program
Michael Splaine has worked with older adults since 1986, primarily people with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, their families and professional caregivers. He is the principal of a small advocacy and government affairs consultancy and has collaborated with leaders in Alzheimer's organizations across the U.S. and in more than 60 countries, representing them at the World Health Organization and the United Nations. His columns will provide information and perspective on aging issues.
