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Caregivers - What to do if you need a break?
Posted on Mon, August 8, 2011 at 12:00 am
For those of you who care for an aging parent, going on vacation isn\\\'t as simple as booking a flight, packing your suitcase, and calling a taxi to take you to the airport. Who is going to take care of your loved one? You may want to explore the option of hiring an agency, but before you rely on an agency you have to be absolutely certain that the agency will be able to provide the care that you want, and that they have the staff to cover the complete duration of your stay.
You also have the option of taking advantage of respite care (also known as a short-stay program) that some nursing homes offer. Respite care allows you to admit your loved one into a nursing home for a short period of time so that you can go on vacation, or simply get some much needed rest. The process to apply for respite care is usually different compared to applying for a full-time bed, and the payment structure is different as well. Most provinces have a cap on the length of time and the number of days/calendar year that you can have your loved one in respite care.
I strongly believe that all caregivers need to take care of themselves, because they can\\\'t take care of an aging parent if they themselves are ill or exhausted. Please do not feel guilty if you take some time for yourself - it will benefit you, and therefore also your aged loved one.
For more information on respite care in your area please contact your local CCAC or RHA (please see the \\\"Appying to a Nursing Home\\\" tab for contact information).
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