What IS Respite Care???
"Respite" refers to short term, temporary care provided to people with disabilities in order that their families can take a break from the daily routine of care giving. One of the important purposes of respite is to give family members time and temporarily relieve the stress they may experience while providing extra care for a loved one with a disability. This, in turn, can help prevent abuse and neglect, and support family unity. Respite care enables families to take short breaks from their care giving duties to take care of themselves. Respite is often referred to as a gift of time.
Who needs Respite services?
Caregivers may be reluctant to use a respite program. They may even question the need for this type of service. Anyone who finds themselves in the position of being a full time caregiver to a family member is eligible for Respite Services.
Who provides Respite services?
The Menard County Health Departments Home Health Division has a Respite Care Program in place. This Program is funded by a grant from Project LIFE Area Agency on Aging. Services are provided through the Health Department, with a trained Respite Care
worker doing the actual care.
What kinds of services are provided?
A Respite Care worker will come to your home, where you are the full-time caregiver, and for a period of 2-6 hours, depending on your situation, stay with your loved one, providing the care
that is needed in your absence.
There is no charge to families utilizing Respite Care Services.
Are there eligibility requirements for Respite services?
Yes. A staff member from our office will do an initial intake visit. An assessment of need will be completed,
which will determine how many hours of Respite Care Service you will eligible for
each month. This is done on a case-by-case basis, based on need, amount of care currently being provided, etc.
How do families benefit from Respite services?
The benefits are numerous, but not always obvious. Providing a break in the daily routine may help caregivers avoid burnout, stress, and fatigue. Periodic respite care can help caregivers relax for a while and come back revitalized and better able to care for their loved one.
Respite care not only provides caregivers a break, but
it also gives the patient a change in his or her daily routine. It can provide the patient opportunities to build new relationships and move toward independence .
How do families obtain services?
Contact Menard County Home Health, (217) 632-7864 to arrange Respite Care Services.
What training do Respite Care Workers have?
The Respite Care staff of the Menard County Health Department is trained in Respite Care
services. Our Respite workers will provide companion services for your loved one,
minimal housekeeping duties, a meal preparation, if needed, and help
with activities of daily living. Respite workers do not
provide medical care of any kind. However, the nursing staff of
the Menard County Health Department supervise Respite Care workers.
For more information on Respite Services, contact Jan Dedert, RN, Director of Nursing,
at 632-7864.
