Looking after my grandma

Respite care services provide short-term care to ailing or incapacitated seniors. Several circumstances could prompt you to seek a respite care service. For instance, it could be that you are transitioning from a nursing facility to your home. In this case, respite care services provide caregiving services as you regain your independence. Alternatively, you may seek the services when your primary caregiver is away. Your guiding principle when choosing a respite care centre is that the facility should offer high-quality services. Continue reading for valuable insights to help you choose a respite care facility. 

Type of Respite Care

Respite care could be provided in a respite care facility or your home. Offsite respite care allows you to interact with other seniors in the respite care facility. It is a sure way to meet new people and create new relationships. At the care facility, seniors could engage in age-friendly sports such as table tennis and chess or form socialisation clubs such as book and charity clubs. In-home respite care is an arrangement where the respite care organisation deploys an experienced caregiver to your home. It is a suitable option if you wish to spend time with your family. Besides, the caregiver could train your family members how to care for you in the future. 

Caregiver Specialisation 

As a client, you want to know whether the caregivers have the expertise needed to manage your condition. It is especially so if you have a chronic illness such as arthritis, cancer, or Parkinson's disease that needs specialised management. Check the facility's client list to determine if the facility has clients who suffer from similar conditions. Moreover, you could check the caregiver's portfolio to establish their training and experience. This background research will help improve your confidence in the services offered by the respite care facility. 

Caregiving Arrangements

Examine the facility's or caregiver's program to determine if you will be comfortable with the caregiving arrangements. For instance, if you opt for in-home care, ask when the caregiver will arrive at your home and the number of hours they will work daily. Moreover, ask about the services they will provide. For example, will the caregiver run errands, clean your home and do laundry? These questions are essential since they will help you determine if the caregiver is the right match. If you intend to move into a respite care facility, examine the additional services provided at the facility. For example, you could need counselling to help you regain your confidence and independence after spending several months in hospital. 

When looking for a respite care facility, determine the type of service you require, the caregivers' specialisation and caregiving arrangements.

For more information on respite care services, contact a professional near you.