What Caregivers Should Know about Respite Care
Being a caregiver is often an unpaid role that family members or close friends take on out of necessity or obligation. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 40.4 million unpaid caregivers of a senior 65 or older in the United States alone.
With so many people taking on a caregiver role, it is important to remind them to take time for themselves. Respite care is a great way for caregivers to continue caring for their loved one(s) while giving themselves a necessary break.
Here are just a few of the benefits to respite care:
· Allows the caregiver to focus on their own needs or hobbies
· Helps prevent resentment between patient and caregiver
· The patient gets a change of scenery and another person to interact with
· A caregiver can return revived, meaning better care for the patient
Let’s look at where to find respite care services and how much caregivers can estimate costs to be.
Where to Find Respite Care Services
Respite care is certainly not a “one size fits all” kind of service. Every situation is different, making it important to explore all available respite care options.
Respite care allows temporary relief to the caregiver in increments as little as a few hours up to weeks at a time.
Short-term residential facilities
Many eldercare facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and hospice centers offer respite care as a service. Many of these facilities have rooms that are designated for respite patients to stay in the short-term.
Cost of Respite Care Services
Some people that opt for these facilities plan to use respite care for overnight stays. Most of the facilities that provide this service offer overnight and extended stays. Depending upon what kind of care is needed, an average rate at this type of facility is $150 to $200 a night.
In-home respite care
In situations where the patient is unable to leave the home or if the caregiver needs respite care provided for several hours at a time, in-home respite care is a great option. In most states, Medicaid offers in-home respite care in the form of its Home and Community Based Services Program (also known as the Medicaid Waiver Program).
Cost of In-Home Respite Care
As with other forms of respite care, the cost of in-home care will depend upon what level of attention is needed and the number of hours needed. According to Caring.com, in-home respite care will average around $15 to $40 an hour if privately paying. Medicaid provides various number of hours of in-home care depending on the state.
Adult day care
Respite care through an adult day care is an excellent form of respite care for the patient and the caregiver. Caregivers can enlist the services of an adult day care on occasion or even on a set schedule for caregivers who still work full-time.
Cost of Adult Day Care
Adult daycare may be covered by certain insurance plans but can range from $25 to $150 per day. It is best to check with your insurance provider and prospective day care facility about pricing.
Does Original Medicare Cover Respite Care?
Original Medicare covers only medically necessary services. Consequently, this means respite care is only covered by Medicare if the patient is receiving hospice benefits.
In this case, Medicare will cover respite care for up to 5 consecutive days. Though there is a 5-day limit in one bout, the patient can receive this benefit on multiple occasions.
Medicare will cover all but 5% of the Medicare-approved amount for inpatient respite care. Though, if the patient has a Medigap policy, it may help cover additional costs that Medicare does not pay for.
What About Medicare Advantage?
Newly approved benefits on Medicare Advantage plans will now allow some plans to cover respite care with fewer restrictions than Original Medicare. This may include adult day care services or in-home custodial support services.
Conclusion
Undoubtedly, being a caregiver can be tiring yet equally rewarding and meaningful. If being a caregiver means more time at home with your loved one, it can be a priceless journey. Taking advantage of respite care can make a heavy burden much lighter.
By: Guest Author: Danielle Kunkle
