What Is Respite Care And How Can I Get It?
Taking care of a loved one with a chronic medical condition (such as dementia, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, heart disease, and so on), a disability, or other special need can be stressful and it can take an enormous toll on informal caregivers. Informal caregivers are spouses, family members, relatives, neighbors, and friends who provide help to keep their loved one in their home and community. The loved one who is receiving care is sometimes called a care recipient.
Taking care of a loved one can have negative effects on an informal caregiver. No matter how important or rewarding the job of caregiving might be, informal caregivers are under higher stress and are at risk of suffering from anxiety, depression, and feelings of frustration, isolation and loneliness. It is important that informal caregivers address their own needs, take time to do the things that are important, and practice good self-care. Respite care services can offer a much-needed break for informal caregivers and it can play a part in being a healthy caregiver.
Respite care includes services which offer temporary, substitute supports or living arrangements for a care recipient who has a chronic illness, disability, or special need in order to provide a brief period of relief or rest for their informal caregiver. It includes in-home respite; respite provided to the care recipient at a senior center or other nonresidential program; or institutional respite provided by placing the care recipient in an institutional setting such as a nursing home for a short period of time; it also includes summer camps for children of grandparents raising grandchildren. It is planned or emergency care and the purpose of respite care is to reduce caregiver stress and strain.
If you are caring for a loved one with a chronic illness, disability, or special need, respite care services can help reduce stress, frustration, anxiety, and depression. Respite care services can help give you some time for yourself. Taking regular breaks from the demands of caregiving are essential.
There are four Demonstration Programs across Montana that are funded through a federal Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grant (ADDGS) from the Administration on Aging. The Demonstration Programs are working to make respite care services available to informal caregivers in their communities. The four Demonstration Programs are:
Developmental Educational Assistance Program (DEAP) in Miles City is offering respite services in Custer, Prairie, and Rosebud counties. Contact Vicki Clear or Sylvia Danforth at 406-234-6034.
The Belmont Senior Citizens Center in Butte provides respite care services in Silver Bow, Beaverhead, Deer Lodge, Granite, Madison, and Powell counties. Contact Marie Walsh or Ann Ueland at 406-723-7773.
Missoula Aging Services has respite care services available in Missoula and Ravalli counties. Contact Barbara Haugen or Debra Gutzmer at 406-728-7682.
Area VI Agency on Aging is offering respite care services in Lake, Lincoln, Mineral, and Sanders counties as well as on the Flathead Reservation. Contact Joyce Schmitz or Duane Lutke at 406-883-7284.
If you do not live in any of the above counties, you can find out more about respite care services in your community by contacting your Area Agency on Aging toll-free at 1-800-551-3191.
