As a caregiver, you likely understand how refreshing it is to take a break.
When searching for help caring for your special needs or elderly loved one, finding the right person to take over your caregiver duties is overwhelming. Thankfully, respite care is available in the state of Alaska in several different forms. Finding the best option for respite care can help you find the perfect placement for your situation and your loved ones’ needs.
Are you unsure of how to find respite care in Alaska? We’ve created this quick guide to help you get a better understanding of what you need to look for. Keep reading to learn more!
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is when you have another individual provide care for your loved one. Respite care is a short-term break for caregivers. Whether you are looking after an individual who has been disabled, elderly, or sick at, you like we understand that it’s a 24-hour job.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to take a break, getting at your loved one involved in respite care can help you to find time to take that break. Respite care can be located in a daycare center, in residential centers for overnight stays, or even inside of your home.
With respite care, you can set up your brakes to be short or as long as you need them to be.
How to Find Respite Care in Alaska
There are several different ways that you can hire the help of respite care. Let’s take a closer look at how you can find respite care in Alaska.
Decide What Type of Care You Need
You won’t be able to truly find it the best type of respite care until you understand your needs and the needs of your loved ones. Whether you are looking for someone to help care for your loved one for a few hours a day or for an entire day, there are specialized and trained caregivers that are out there.
You should also consider whether you’ll want your loved one to be involved in social activities that will help them stay socially active. You may also want to consider looking into respite care facilities that offer types of health services, depending on your loved ones’ needs.
Check Out Government Resources
As you’re searching through for respite options, you need to consider government resources. You can contact your county and state Social Services agencies to help you find an option available to you.
Senior Centers
As an in-home care alternative, senior centers are safe environments where elderly people can participate in activities led by trained professionals. There are some senior center facilities in Alaska that do provide respite care.
Some facilities will offer virtual visits via telephone, home health aides, adult daycare, nursing home visitors, home visitors, support groups, and even home health aides. Most senior centers in Alaska will provide you with the referrals the information you need to access other types of available services in the state.
Considering In-Home Respite Care
Services provided at your home can be provided by either paying to help or a volunteer to help. You can hire in-home respite care consistently or on an as-needed basis.
This service is offered for in-home respite care can last from a few hours up to an overnight stay. If you’re working with an agency or an individual directly, you may be able to arrange longer stays.
In-home respite care is a popular choice because it allows your loved one to stay in the comfort of a home that they’re familiar with. However, they will still be able to receive the care they need, while still offering you a break.
Finding the Best Assisted Living Community in Anchorage
When you’re searching around for a senior living community in Anchorage, finding the best match for your loved ones’ needs that can be challenging. You may find it difficult to process all of the different Assisted Living Services that are available to you and find one that matches your budget restrictions.
The first step you should take when finding the best assisted living community in Anchorage could be realistic about your loved ones’ needs and what needs they may have in the future. You should have a list of needs that need to be made it a priority, as well as potential concerns.
Call communities in Anchorage and ask for information about costs, what services they offer, and if they’re able to provide you with information about the community. Once you’ve narrowed down what communities that you’re interested in moving forward with and what communities you’ll be able to afford, it’s time for you to schedule a tour with these facilities.
During the tour, you need to talk to both the staff and at the residence. You should also bring someone and you that will help you keep track of all of the details and information you are being provided with.
Narrow down your options after your first tour. Once you’ve finalized your list a little more, make a second visit to the facility that you’re interested in without calling ahead. Visiting the facility without calling ahead will give you an understanding of how the facility operates outside of its normal touring hours.
After you’ve decided which facility you are going to go with, ask for a copy of the contract that the facility’s asking you to sign for you to review. Make sure to read of this entire contract before you sign anything carefully. It would help if you had a solid understanding of any expected rate increases, what all of the fine print says, and any extra costs and services you are requesting.
Respite Care for Your Loved One in Alaska
Finding the best respite care in Alaska can seem overwhelming. However, with the tips in this guide, you can narrow down your options and find the best respite care for yourself and your loved one.
Are you struggling to find a facility that will meet the special needs that your loved one has? We are here to help you find the perfect respite care match near you. Click here to contact us today to learn how we can help!
