Respite care helpful but difficult option
By Mayo Clinic staffOriginal Article: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/respite-care/MY00066
- With Mayo Clinic health education outreach coordinator
Angela Lunde
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Angela Lunde
Angela Lunde is a dementia education specialist in the education core of Mayo Clinic's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at the Abigail Van Buren Alzheimer's Disease Research Clinic in Rochester, Minn.
Angela Lunde
The transfer of information about dementias, as well as understanding the need for participation in clinical trials, is an essential component of the education core.
Angela is a member of the Alzheimer's Association board of directors and co-chair of the annual Minnesota Dementia Conference. She is a member of the Dementia Behavior Assessment and Response Team (D-BART), a multidisciplinary outreach service assisting professional and family caregivers in understanding and managing difficult behaviors often present in dementia. She facilitates several support groups, including Memory Club, an early-stage education and support series, and more recently, helped to develop and now deliver Healthy Action to Benefit Independence and Thinking (HABIT), a 10-day cognitive rehab and wellness program for people with mild cognitive impairment.
Angela takes a personal interest in understanding the complex changes that take place within relationships and among families when dementia is present. She is particularly interested in providing innovative and accessible ways for people with dementia and their families to receive information and participate in valuable programs that promote well-being.
"Amid a devastating disease, there are tools, therapies, programs and ways to cope, and it is vital that families are connected to these resources," she says.
Latest entries
- Alzheimer's support group gets lift from humor, sharing
May 14, 2013
- As caregivers, support each other without judgment
May 1, 2013
- Alzheimer's individual living in the moment — in happiness
April 16, 2013
- Take the time to find gratitude: You'll be happier, healthier
April 3, 2013
- Gratitude is the one pill everyone should be prescribed
March 19, 2013
Free
E-newsletter
Subscribe to Housecall
Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date
on a wide variety of health topics.
Mayo Clinic Housecall
Stay up to date on the latest health information.
What you get
- Free weekly e-newsletter
- Mayo Clinic expertise
- Recipes, tools and other helpful information
- We do not share your e-mail address
Alzheimer's blog
-
June 11, 2008
Respite care helpful but difficult option
By Angela Lunde
My sincere thanks once again to those of you sharing your stories. There are probably hundreds who are reading and relating to what you have to say.
Obviously, there are no easy answers to the epidemic of Alzheimer's disease that brings with it nearly 10 million Americans providing 8.4 billion hours of unpaid care (mostly family). As stated in our previous dialogue, some of you find relief by attending support groups if they are available, others mentioned that writing and venting provides benefit at some level, others have suggested the importance of respite.
Once again, I realize obtaining respite care is easier said than done, there can be numerous obstacles, including our own reluctance (feelings of guilt or abandonment are common). However, none of us are equipped physically or emotionally for 24/7 caregiving. I would appreciate hearing some of your stories and experiences around respite care.
Here is a small list of the types of services (both paid and volunteer) that may be available in your communities, as well as some excellent resources and Web sites to check out.
- Adult day programs. There comes a time in the disease of Alzheimer's that leaving the person at home, even for short periods, is not an option. At the same time, taking them out only confuses and overwhelms them and you. Day programs can offer the person with dementia a safe and social environment while giving a predictable and needed break from caregiving. See link below for more on adult day programs.
- In-home paid care services. In-home services can be available in a variety of ways. Companion services provide company for the person with dementia while helping to facilitate and supervise activities. Personal care or home health aide services assist with bathing, dressing, toileting and exercising. Homemaker services help with laundry, shopping, and preparing meals and skilled care services help with medication and other medical services. Many agencies will offer many or most of these services. See link below for respite care in your community.
- Student or intern. If your community has a college you can inquire about students who may be interested in an opportunity to provide companionship and supervision to a person with dementia. I know one caregiver who found a student to provide respite and friendship to the person with dementia for more than two years.
- Volunteer through church/place of worship. Parish nurse and home respite programs are organized formally or informally at many churches. For example, at my church if a member informs our 'Care Coordinator' that they need respite care a few hours a week, a call is made to individuals from the congregation who have expressed a willingness to help.
- Department of Social Services. Check with your county social service agency. In-home community care programs may be available and are based on income.
Bottom line: Getting or accepting respite care often means that you can keep your loved one at home longer, which for most of the families I have met, is the ultimate goal.
Remember, that getting a break yourself gives you the opportunity to rejuvenate, pay attention to who you are outside of your caregiving role. This period of respite often helps you to be a better caregiver. Think of respite as a gift not only to yourself by also to the person you are caring for.
19 comments posted
Share on:
19 comments posted