Maybe you’re caring for a disabled family member or an older adult with a chronic health condition. They can manage OK, but there’s something you need or want to do and it means you won’t be able to care for them.
As you consider your options, keep respite care in mind.
Respite care gives you a short-term break from caregiving. It means you can go to an important family event like a niece’s wedding or a grandchild’s graduation, schedule a medical procedure, or simply take a day to recharge.
Respite home care is a great way for caregivers to take a break and take care of themselves. You can enjoy your time away, knowing that the person you care for has someone to make sure they eat, take their medications, and do all the things you usually do.
What is Respite Care?
Respite home care is when someone steps in for the primary caregiver to care for a person. Having a friend or neighbor check in or taking a family member to an adult day center are examples of respite home care.
There’s also respite home care, which is when a person is able to stay in their home. In-home respite care can be round-the-clock, during the day, or overnight.
Respite care from VNS Health is provided by trained and vetted home health aides, who work under the supervision of a registered nurse. Aides come to the home. They can prepare meals, make sure your loved one takes medicine at the right time, and provide companionship — and they know what to do if something should happen.
With respite care, you aren’t imposing on family or friends. You don’t have to worry that a neighbor will forget to check in. You’ll have peace of mind.
Respite care services are available from VNS Health Personal Care.
How Do I Start Respite Home Care?
Simply call VNS Health’s Personal Care team at 1-888-735-8913. We’ll ask questions so we can match you with a home health aide who has the expertise you need. If your loved one has trouble with changes in routine or with meeting new people, we can send your aide a day or two ahead so they can get used to the new person while you’re there.
Services can usually start within a few days, though it’s helpful to give us some notice. Of course, if you have an emergency we’ll do our best to get someone to you right away.
Respite home care is also available to people receiving hospice care from VNS Health. In this case, call your hospice nurse for information or to start care.
Who Pays for Respite Home Care?
Medicaid sometimes pays for respite care, but usually it’s paid for out of pocket. (Medicare and private insurance only cover respite care for hospice patients.)
Related Services
Personal Care Services
Home health aides provide compassionate and supportive personal care.
Geriatric Care Management
Geriatric Care Managers coordinate your care team, which can include experts such as nurses, social workers, dieticians, or attorneys.
