The health effects of family caregiving on the caregiver have been well documented by researchers. Health effects are especially pronounced among those caregivers caring for persons with Alzheimer's disease (AD). These caregivers are most likely to report higher levels of burden and stress than other caregivers and to face unique challenges in providing care due to the cognitive and physical disability experienced by care recipients. A recent study by the National Alliance for Caregiving shows that caregivers reported a 25% increased use of health services themselves, such as visits to the emergency room or other hospital-based services. Healthcare costs for family caregivers providing care for someone with Alzheimer's cost an average of $4,766 more per year.*

This new evidence supports a trend we have witnessed recently - families caring for persons with Alzheimer's are increasingly seeking respite care, which provides caregivers a temporary rest from caregiving. Given family caregivers are at risk for poor health themselves, respite care provides an affordable and convenient way to find time to care for themselves while allowing the person with Alzheimer's to receive care in a safe environment.

TYPES OF RESPITE CARE:

The type of respite care most appropriate depends on the condition of the person as well as the family's budget and needs. Providence works with families who chose a combination of services to manage cost and offer variety to their loved ones. Some families choose to bring their loved ones for Providence's Respite Day program 5 days a week, while others use a combination of home care services and our respite day program. Whatever they choose, families report a sense of relief that they have some time to run errands or just relax, while others have full-time jobs and are secure knowing their loved ones are taken care of in a safe environment during the day.

Assisted living communities: Respite care in a community can vary from a few hours a day to short-term overnight stays. Providence offers a Day Respite Program at our assisted living community where clients can spend anywhere from 4-12 hours a day in our community and partake in a rich activities program while also receiving assistance with all of their Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), including showers. Short-term overnight stays can also be arranged depending on availability. For more information on Providence's respite care program, please click here.

In-home care services: Respite care in the home can be provided by a friend, family member or professional service. This type of care can range from companionship to assistance with ADLs to medication management and often includes help with errands around the house. Providence provides caregivers trained in Alzheimer's care for added peace of mind while the family is taking a respite. For more information on Providence's Home Care Services, please click here.

Adult day centers: These centers can provide a safe environment for a person with Alzheimer's to spend  day participating in activities.

For more information on Respite Care from the Alzheimer's Association, please click here.