What are the specific steps for putting an Alzheimer's patient in temporary respite care?

My mother had 24 hour home care provided through Home Instead and they were wonderful. Don't believe there is a duration minimum. This could be arranged quickly and establishing relationship could offer you help in the future. Hope you get to take that much needed time away. Best wishes.

Stage 3 would not qualify for respite care which is provided through Hospice. So you go to a nearby Assisted Living center and ask about a one month respite contract. I think one month is the minimum. He will need a health certification from his MD. The facility has the forms.

We placed my dad in respite care at a SNF in the facility where he lived which had all 3 levels. We called the director of nursing to set it up and to find a room. My sister arranged most of it so I don't have all the particulars. Yes, it was private pay as it doesn't involve Medicare funds. There was no minimum length of time. I think this is a good idea for you to get a chance to have a trip away and visit with your daughter.

Forgot to add...call your local Alzheimer's chapter as they will have resources and answers too! Best wishes

All the assisted living centers offer respite care. Visit to check on cleanliness, activities. You could even bring your spouse on a visit to reassure him. The only problem is availability. They have to have an open bed. So call around, be flexible with your plans. It is good to establish a relationship with an assisted living facility so the respite will be there in the future as well. One of the women in my Alzheimer caregiver support group was hesitant to leave her husband, but used the ALF when she needed to be hospitalized. Then she felt comfortable leaving him there to visit her relatives out of state and now, two years later, he is a resident there.

Hello GrammyM You must be exhausted. Ten years caring for Your Husband without help or a break is too demanding on Yourself. Harpcat has a brilliant answer, as I am only learning too. Enjoy Your break with Your Daughter GrammyM and plan plenty breaks and time out for Yourself. Remember if any of Us Caregivers get sick or burn out, Our Love ones will have to go into care. So It is vital We Care for Ourselves too.

My husband and I were in a similar spot. We had not taken a vacation in 5 years. We had Ma move in with us and most of our free time was fixing the home to sell it. That took 2 years of weekends and 2 states away. We were very lucky to find a facility, which was an actual home. This lady, a nurse and her husband licensed their home for a max of 8 residents but only filling it with 6 so they would have room for temporary slots. Hopefully you can find a place like this in your area. It only took us a few phone calls, the medical info and a visit/deposit. It is not cheap but well worth it. This lady was willing to do just a weekend for us. Good Luck.

If you (or client) is paying out-of-pocket, then just contact an agency and sign up! Have fun visiting your daughter, and 10 yrs. is too long without a break. Be kind to yourself!

LindaSusan, MCI is not the beginning of Alzheimer's or dementia. It is just MCI. However, most people who are later diagnosed with Alz or dementia have first been diagnosed with MCI. Alzheimer's is a specific type of dementia, but not everyone who has dementia has Alzheimer's. Having dementia means that you are "activities of daily living disabled." The ADLs are eating, dressing, toileting, ambulating, and bathing." You can learn more from alz.org.

I have checked this out with a local AL. They told me no problem but I'm still going back way before the wedding to make sure I can get Mom in when I need to. I, personally, would rather a facility thaan someone coming into my home. With the facility I just pack a bag and their meds. With someone coming into my home I would have to make sure there was enough food for meals. Facility handles all that and activities. Not sure I would trust a stranger in my home.