My Mom is on hospice and lives at home with me. Every few months hospice will pay for 5 days respite care in a local nursing home. I plan to take advantage of this the end of October and maybe add 2 days (that I'll pay for) to extend it to a week. Hospice is wonderful! The nursing are very attentive, always available and they send in a home health aide 5 days a week for a couple of hours. Not to mention all the equipment...hoyer lift, hospital bed, geri chair, wheelchair, etc. Also all diapers, pads, supplies and all drugs. I work full time, but my daughter takes care of her while I work. I hire a HHA every Sunday to have a free day just for me. I've been taking care of Mom (in my house) for 6 years. About 3 months ago I called hospice. I should have called them earlier! We have a system now of taking care of her. Nights are the worse (she has severe sundowning) and some days are really difficult. But there are still great moments where Mom laughs and enjoys the family. Although these moments are only a few a week it makes all the work and sleepless nights worthwhile. I'm so glad I didn't place her in a nursing home. Sorry for getting off topic.
Certainly respite care. Other options may include hiring a skilled aid or caregiver through an Agency, they will do so for an hourly fee. Be sure they are licensed and insured and you have a written agreement. Get references and CALL THEM!
Also, check with your family physician or parents physician office. Sometimes nursing staff will moonlight on weekends or holidays and provide skilled care at an hourly fee and may be willing to do so for you. Local nursing schools may also be able to provide nursing students willing to do this.
Depending on the level of caregiving needed, your church may have companions that can provide some assistance with errands, companionship, cooking, lightnhouskeeping etc.
Assume you've already exhausted family member options.
Regardless, please be fair in negotiated fees, most will be at least $20/hr and sometimes respite care can be the more economical way to go with an daily cap. A mini vacation and change of scenery for your loved one too.
Good luck and everyone deserves a vacation! Take it with no regrets!
Here in St. Louis there's a commercial that runs for an assisted living facility that offers respite care to caregivers. I don't know the name of it or how much it costs but I know it exists. Good luck!
Many of the assisted care facilities offer "nightly rates" for just this purpose. These rooms usually but don't have to include meals. Visiting family can also use these fully furnished rooms when they are visiting from out of town. Ask. Prices are usually equivalent to mid-priced hotel/motel - some cheaper.
Also, check with your family physician or parents physician office. Sometimes nursing staff will moonlight on weekends or holidays and provide skilled care at an hourly fee and may be willing to do so for you. Local nursing schools may also be able to provide nursing students willing to do this.
Depending on the level of caregiving needed, your church may have companions that can provide some assistance with errands, companionship, cooking, lightnhouskeeping etc.
Assume you've already exhausted family member options.
Regardless, please be fair in negotiated fees, most will be at least $20/hr and sometimes respite care can be the more economical way to go with an daily cap. A mini vacation and change of scenery for your loved one too.
Good luck and everyone deserves a vacation! Take it with no regrets!