Respite Care is a Chance for Overburdened Caregivers to get a Break
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost six million seniors over the age of 65 receive home health services for chronic and acute disease conditions. These include neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is the number one leading cause of dementia in the United States and is on the rise. In fact, more than five and a half million seniors are estimated by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to have Alzheimer’s disease.
Voluntary Caregivers Work 24/7 without any Financial Compensation
Most chronically ill seniors who live at home are cared for by voluntary caregivers who work 24/7 without any financial compensation. These voluntary caregivers are usually family members like the spouse, children or grandchildren. Many of these voluntary caregivers are also seniors over age 60 and are at high risk for falling ill themselves. In fact, some of these caregivers sometimes pass away before their chronically ill loved one dies.
Respite Care can Come to the Rescue for Worn-out Caregivers
Respite care can come to the rescue for worn-out caregivers and give them a much needed break. Respite care is when someone else temporarily takes over the care of a chronically ill loved one. This can be for a few hours, a few days or a few weeks. There are various kinds of respite care depending on the needs of the chronically ill senior and the family.
Respite Care and In-home Care Services
A professional or volunteer caregiver will come to the home of someone who is chronically ill. This can free the regular caregiver(s) to get away on a holiday, catch up on chores, tend to their own medical needs or just hang out with friends.
Adult Day Care Center
This is a suitable arrangement for seniors with dementia who are still able to participate in activities like crafts and music in a day care center. Thus, the caregiver mainly has to tend to them in the evening.
Respite Care in Residential Skilled Nursing Care Facilities
This is the best arrangement, as it gives both the caregiver a break and their loved one with a chronic illness a chance to have a vacation away from home. This is a great chance for the person with a chronic illness or dementia to get out, meet new people and socialize. Besides the expert skilled nursing care they receive there is a chance to participate in all kinds of recreational activities.
Respite Care at Park Crescent Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in East Orange, NJ
The Park Crescent Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in East Orange, New Jersey offers respite care at its best. Your loved one will get expert 24 hour skilled nursing care and will get their medicines and have help with bathing and hygiene. Park Crescent also offers memory care and diabetes monitoring and care.
Essex County Pays for 30 Days a Year for Respite Care at Park Crescent for Financially Eligible People
For financially eligible people, Essex County will pay for 30 days a year for respite care. You do not have to use the 30 days all at once, but can take a few breaks during the year. You can relax and take time to do whatever you need to do, while your loved one is safe and in good caring hands. Your loved one will have a nice tastefully furnished and comfortable room, fine restaurant style dining with three delicious and healthy meals a day. The atmosphere at Park Crescent is warm and friendly like one big family. Your loved one will also be able to participate in the fantastic array of recreational activities at Park Crescent with a chance to socialize and make new friends. This is a real boon for chronically ill seniors who are usually homebound.
For more information about respite care at Park Crescent Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center phone: 973-674-2700
Conclusion
Thanks to respite care overburdened caregivers can take a much needed break.