When you’re the primary caregiver for an aging loved one, you may need some time off. Short term respite care is a great way to get the time and support you need.

Respite care can be as short as a few hours, or as long as a week in an assisted living community. It can be a great way to get a taste of senior living and see if it is right for your loved one.

1.       Reliability

Using a quality home for respite care can be critical to your loved one’s safety and wellbeing. You want to find a center that provides high-quality care and is licensed by the appropriate government agency.

Before choosing a facility or professional, interview them in person to ensure you’re comfortable with their credentials and experience. Then ask for references from previous customers.

2.       Cost

Respite care is a vital service that helps family caregivers take time away from their responsibilities to recharge and refresh. This can reduce the risk of burnout and improve a primary caregiver’s health.

Prices for respite care vary depending on the location and level of care needed, as well as the agency or provider. It can cost as little as $30 a day to as much as $290 a day, and it’s not always covered by insurance or long-term care insurance.

3.       Reputation

Respite care can help to reduce caregiver burnout by giving you a break from the daily responsibilities of caring for your loved one. It also can provide a fresh perspective on your caregiving duties, allowing you to better understand the needs of your loved one and the ways to best meet those needs.

Finding a respite center that meets your family’s needs and preferences requires careful research and selection. Here are 12 key questions to ask yourself before settling on a respite center:

4.       Accommodations

Caring for a loved one requires a lot of energy and time. Often, people have to take a break from this responsibility to attend to other needs and concerns.

Respite care can be an ideal solution for these types of situations. It provides a safe environment and homelike accommodations in a nursing community, assisted living or personal care home setting.

Before you book a respite stay, be sure to fill out all the paperwork, pack your loved one’s belongings and understand the community’s medication policies.

5.       Meals

Caring for someone with health issues can be stressful and exhausting. It’s hard to take care of yourself when you are constantly on the go to meet their needs, and respite care can be a great way to give you the rest you need without worrying about your loved one.

Respite care providers often prepare meals and will make sure that your loved one gets enough to eat while they’re there. This can be a huge benefit for the elderly, as they’re able to eat nutritious meals while still having their caregiver there to provide them with personal attention and care.

6.       Socialization

Respite care offers seniors and their caregivers the chance to socialize. This can be a great way to strengthen relationships and get a fresh perspective on problems.

Caregivers often put their own lives on hold in order to care for their loved ones, which can lead to caregiver burnout.

Respite care provides caregivers with a short break to relax, recharge, and take care of their own needs. It can also help prevent caregiver burnout by promoting relaxation, increasing social engagement, and reducing friction between caregivers and their elderly loved ones.

7.       Personal Care

Caring for a loved one requires a lot of physical and emotional work. And if you’re doing it all by yourself, it can be easy to forget about your own health needs and personal interests.

Respite care offers a way to get that much-needed break, whether it’s for a few hours or a whole weekend. It’s a great option for caregivers to relieve stress and avoid burnout.

8.       Transportation

Emergency respite care can take many forms. Some respite providers offer shuttles to and from local hospitals, while others provide personal vehicles to transport your loved one around town.

Choosing the right type of short term care can have a positive impact on your loved one's quality of life, and also provide you with a much needed break from your own family duties. Do your homework and you will find the best fit for your unique situation.

9.       Security

If your loved one needs short term respite care, it’s important to find a quality home. This includes asking about their background checks, hiring policies and licensing information.

You should also consider if they have a 24-hour security system in place, light bulbs and other safety precautions. This will ensure the health and safety of your loved one and their caregivers.