Spending time in a safe and supportive environment, participating in activities designed to fit personal skills and needs, and taking a break throughout the care process can all help improve the overall well-being of caregivers and dementia patients.
Respite care
is a short break for the caregiver, and can take place at home or in a senior community. Studies show that changes in scenery, people, sights and sounds help boost memory and are also good for physical health. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine define respite interventions as therapeutic strategies, models of care delivery, programs and services designed to support family caregivers of older adults.While some study participants used respite programs frequently, others only used them once or twice. Many participants said that, when given time to negotiate the demands of providing care with the help of a temporary respite program, they were able to better understand the importance of their role in the evolution of the person affected by dementia. The Alzheimer's Foundation of America (AFA) awards “grants for family respite care” through funding from local, nonprofit member organizations. Caregivers can hire a person of their choice as a foster care provider, as long as the person is 18 years of age or older, has a social security card, and lives outside the home of the caregiver and the care beneficiary. Families can get a foster care grant application from the Alzheimer's Foundation of American by contacting a participating nonprofit AFA member organization. Taking a break and enjoying the benefits of respite care have a positive impact on the physical and emotional well-being of the caregiver.
When used for an extended period, respite has been found to help caregivers continue to care for their loved one at home, preventing or delaying the need to go to a care facility. At the end of one survey, participants from phase 1 were invited to participate in phase 2 of the study, in which qualitative data were collected through face-to-face interviews, focusing on the longitudinal implications of temporary respite programs in long-term informal care. Overall, respite care can be beneficial for both dementia patients and caregivers. It gives caregivers a much-needed break to relax and recharge or to take care of other matters. And it can also be beneficial for your loved one.
While the care process can have consequences, there are ways to improve the overall well-being of caregivers and dementia patients.
