Important Information Regarding Respite Care and Programs

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is a short term relief for the primary caregiver.

The caregiver also needs a break or a “respite’ from time to time, in order to recharge his/her batteries.

The ability to take a break is especially vital for the primary caregiver of an individual suffering from Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s is a devastating illness that requires a continual level of supervision and assistance with daily living activities.

Since the disease is a progressive, degenerative and neurological disease that affects the brain, it is difficult for the patient to offer any kind of feedback to the caregiver. The demand for a heightened level of care, less the ability to provide any kind of feedback, creates an intense and emotional stress for the caregiver.

One of the better known organizations to offer a caregiver respite and assistance program, is the Alzheimer’s Association of New Jersey.

What is the Caregivers Respite Care Assistance Program?

The Caregivers Respite Care Assistance Program has been designed to help family caregivers learn about and experience the importance of respite care services when the family is providing primary caregiving services for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia. The program offers family caregivers information about available community respite care resources such as home health care, adult day care and residential respite; as well as, some limited financial assistance to help offset the cost of respite care.

To be accepted into the respite program the primary caregiver and the person with Alzheimer’s disease must live together full time and submit a physician’s certification and an application.

The family caregiver is typically responsible for the selection and arrangement of respite care services. All services must be through a licensed agency to qualify for reimbursement. Respite services may be in:

• In-home Services – Personal care services provided in the home by certified home health aides employed and supervised by a licensed health care services agency.
• Adult Day Care Centers – care provided in a licensed medical or social adult day care program by a trained staff. A typical day might include socialization with others, moderate exercise and activities, light meals and assistance with personal care
• Overnight Care – temporary placement in a licensed facility to allow the caregiver to travel, receive medical care, or have a complete rest

The Alzheimer’s Association helpline can provide information about respite services available in your service coverage area, but don’t usually make recommendations concerning the choice of respite care services.

For more information, visit their website at www.alznj.org