Author: Janie De Leon-Male, M.S.S., LSW
Website: www.rothkofflaw.com
Phone: 1-(877) 475-1101

The Law Offices of Jerold E. Rothkoff is committed to helping seniors and their families navigate through the difficult legal issues involving the aging process.

Joanne Solometo, a local (South Jersey) caregiver, reminded me how hard it is to pull away. She was the primary caregiver for her 96 year-old aunt, in addition to working two jobs, cantering at her church, and caring for her own family, which includes three children. She talked about how alone and overwhelmed she felt at trying to balance everything. Joanne approached me and requested that I focus one of my columns on respite resources for area caregivers.

According to the Meriam-Webster Dictionary, respite means “an interval of rest or relief.” Respite can occur in many forms:

  • Approach your siblings or other family members about creating a “caregiver schedule.” Carve out specific times, tasks, responsibilities with which your siblings can assist. Even a two-hour break here or there will make a huge difference.
  • Consider hiring in-home help such as a companion or home health aide to assist with your loved one’s personal care regimen, meal preparation, or to provide companionship. Private pay or even long-term care insurance can assist in paying for these services. Some community Medicaid programs provide in-home support, too.
  • Many assisted living facilities and nursing home communities in our area provide respite care in one to two week intervals. Based on your loved one’s level of care, the facility can assist with your loved one’s personal care and medication regimen. Also, your loved one will receive three meals a day, in addition to having the opportunity to participate in facility activities and having their hair done by the facility’s barber or beautician. This is private pay, only.
  • Adult medical day care centers can provide you with the much-needed break during the day. You can choose to have your loved one participate in these programs one to six days a week from about 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or later. Transportation is provided, along with meals, medication management from a nurse, and other services, such as physical and occupational therapy, and visits from a podiatrist. Many adult medical day care centers provide financial assistance through numerous grants.
  • Contact your local Office on Aging to inquire about county specific respite programs. For example, Senior Citizens United Community Services of Camden County (SCUCS), a non-profit agency, has several programs, such as the Respite Care Program and Caregiver Education Initiative, to help make your caregiving role more manageable and effective. You can contact SCUCS at 856-456-1121 or log onto their website at www.scucs.org for more information. In addition, connect with your local Office on Aging by dialing the NJ Ease number at 1-877-222-3737.

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Respite Care: Resources for the Much-Needed Break