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Hospice Respite Care: Providing Relief for the Caregiver

Hospice Respite Care: Providing Relief for the Caregiver

April 26, 2022

Caring for someone who is facing a life-limiting illness or injury can bring a unique set of challenges. From the physical demands to the emotional impact of knowing a loved one’s time is finite, it’s normal for caregivers to experience feelings of sadness, anxiety or isolation.

Seeking support and maintaining health are essential to managing the role of a caregiver. Utilizing respite services can offer a much-needed break from the pressures of caregiving while ensuring your loved one continues to receive end-of-life care in a safe, compassionate environment.

What is hospice respite care?

Respite care provides short-term relief for in-home hospice caregivers, enabling them to rest and recover from the daily demands of caregiving. This type of care can be arranged for a few hours or several days, and caregivers are eligible to receive respite care more than once. While the caregiver relaxes at home, attends an important event or enjoys a short vacation, their loved one is cared for by highly trained hospice professionals in a Medicare-approved inpatient facility, hospital or nursing home. Under the hospice benefit, patients can stay in a Medicare-approved facility for up to five consecutive days while the caregiver is away.

What are the benefits of hospice respite care?

Respite care helps revitalize hospice caregivers by giving them the opportunity to perform activities that provide personal pleasure and fulfillment, such as spending time with friends and family, exercising or shopping. After taking time to recharge, caregivers often feel more energetic and focused in their caregiving roles. Temporarily stepping away from the daily responsibilities of caregiving helps reduce stress, improve quality of sleep, increase social engagement and foster a greater sense of well-being – all things that make you a better caregiver, spouse, parent or friend.

What are the signs it is time to consider hospice respite care?

· You feel constantly overwhelmed

· You are physically and emotionally exhausted

· Your relationship with your loved one is declining due to stress and lack of self-care

· You become sick or injured and need time to recover

As you take time to recharge, you can rest easy knowing your loved one is in good hands and receiving the highest quality care. To learn more about respite care or to schedule an in-home assessment, call (909) 644-4965.

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