Caregiver stress, Part Two: respite time

HEALTH MATTERS

By: Catherine Kelly
   Forty years ago, a presidential proclamation designated May as Older Americans Month. Every president since John Fitzgerald Kennedy has continued the tradition.
   According to the latest U.S. Census, 35.3 million Americans are age 65 and over, representing 12 percent of the total population. As the "baby boom" generation ages, more and more people are beginning to move into this category. Depending on the status of their health, a significant number of them may require help with the activities of daily living.
   For those who are able to assume the role of caregiver, the task can be daunting. As discussed in last week’s Health Matters, caregiver stress is a common occurrence. One way to handle this stress is to build in periods of respite.


"Well-chosen respite care can help caregivers to recharge their batteries and can offer a change of pace for the loved one."

Catherine Kelly, R.N., B.S., M.A.


Director, Merwick

The Medical Center at Princeton

   Defined as an interval of rest or relief, respite is essential for those who serve as caregivers. In fact, the concept of respite is so important that there is an ever-growing network of respite agencies that are addressing this need.
   Respite services, which are available for any individual, family, or friend who cares for a loved one, provide caregivers with time to attend to personal needs, such as closing on a house or taking a much-needed family vacation.
   Respite services may involve short-term institutional care, adult day care, skilled nursing care and home health aide care for the loved one. Respite typically ranges from part of a day, to overnight, to several weeks.
   Should a caregiver opt for admitting a loved one into a respite program, the requirements are simple. An admission form will ask for recent medical history, allergies, special dietary needs, advance directive information, physicians’ names and contact numbers, medications (to be brought with the person being admitted), and an alternative emergency contact.
   In exchange, the caregiver can expect the loved one to receive personalized care and all meals and accommodations in a private or semi-private room. In addition, respite programs offer recreational activities designed to meet the many needs and interests of respite care participants.
   While respite programs are not widely funded by insurance policies, there are some limited insurance plans that cover them, and government funding is available. Respite programs also address the needs of those who are in hospice, something for which Medicare provides coverage.
   To be certain that the respite service meets your standards and needs, SeniorCareWeb.com, a wonderful resource for caregivers, suggests asking the following questions:
   • How are care providers screened?
   • What is the training and level of experience of the care providers?
   • How, and by whom, are the care providers supervised?
   • Does the program maintain current information about each elderly family member’s medical and other needs?
   • Is there a written care plan?
   • What procedures does the program have for emergencies?
   • Can family members meet and interview the people who care for the elderly family member?
   • How far ahead of time do people need to call to arrange for services?
   • Are families limited to a certain number of hours of services?
   • Does the program provide transportation?
   • What happens during the time the elderly family member is receiving services?
   • Are there organized activities?
   • How are meals handled?
   • What is the cost of services and what is included in the fee?
   • How is payment arranged and can other extra services be provided for additional fees?
   Well-chosen respite care can help caregivers to recharge their batteries and can offer a change of pace for the loved one.
   For more information, visit the Administration on Aging Web site (www.aoa.gov). This government Web site recognizes the needs of caregivers and provides links to a wide variety of available resources.
   For information on respite care programs that are funded by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, call the Office of Community Programs, Division of Senior Affairs, at (609) 943-3466.
   If you are a caregiver in need of support, you are invited to attend a free five-part series that addresses how to care for yourself while caring for a loved one.
   The program, titled Caring for You, Caring for Me, will run on June 4, 9, 12, 17 and 19 from 10 a.m. until noon at the Medical Center at Princeton’s Fitness & Wellness Center, located at the Princeton North Shopping Center in Montgomery.
   While you attend the program, your loved one can meet with other care recipients and Merwick staff in an adjacent meeting room.
   This program is presented by The Senior Well Being Program of Greater Trenton Behavioral Health and sponsored by Princeton House, the behavioral health facility at The Medical Center at Princeton.
Catherine Kelly, RN, BS, MA, is the director of Merwick, the nursing facility at The Medical Center at Princeton. Merwick provides respite services. This article was prepared in collaboration with Lorraine Seabrook.