Introduction to Respite Care in Alaska
If you are the caregiver of a senior loved one you may require time to recharge, refresh, and care for your mental health. Respite care in Alaska is an excellent option to give caregivers a hand. Using respite services from Baxter Senior Living can support the care of your loved one.
Respite care is a critical piece of home health care in Alaska that is essential. Remember that respite services provide benefits to both the person receiving care and the caregiver simultaneously.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care provides full-time patient care from a trusted source for a specific period either in-home or off-site at an assisted living community such as Baxter Senior Living. It can provide a temporary way to evaluate the experience of living in an assisted living community in a positive way. Providing this opportunity for your loved one may allow them to experience all of the wonderful advantages for living in a community that treats you like family.
What Types of Services Can Respite Care Provide?
Respite care services vary depending on the service or provider chosen. Therefore, when selecting your respite care provider, be sure to choose one with a full array of professional staff to meet your senior loved one’s needs. For example, some clients may only need non-skilled care, such as help around the house or transportation to medical appointments. However, others may need care for medical conditions in addition to managing their daily tasks. Be sure to find a community like Baxter Senior Living with the staffing and flexibility to tailor its services to meet your needs.
Choosing respite care services can provide the caregiver with the opportunity to:
- Take a Vacation
- Allow the family and senior to experience an assisted living environment without the long term commitment.
- Take care of errands such as shopping, exercising, going to the doctor, or getting a haircut
While the above is a shortlist, there are many other benefits to respite care. Some of the most important being the comfort and peace of mind knowing that your senior loved one is having all of their care needs met by a highly trained and qualified individual.
- Medication management
- Weekly housekeeping
- 2 scheduled loads of laundry each week
- Assistance with activities of daily living: dressing, eating, bathing, and transferring.
- Personalized Care & Service Plans for Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
- Daily Wellness check-ins throughout the day
- Variety of enrichment activities & social events
- 1-on-1 health & wellness check-ups & assessments with our Health Director.
As mentioned above, respite care is good for both the caregiver and the person needing care. Respite care services can provide your senior loved one the ability to:
- Interact with others having similar experiences
- Spend time in a safe, supportive environment
- Participate in activities designed to match their personal abilities and needs
Plan Ahead: Respite Care for the Unexpected
Emergencies, unplanned situations, or unexpected trips can create the need for respite services immediately. To help ensure you are comfortable with a respite provider, try providers out in a non-emergency situation, so you are ready if the need arises. Also, talk with people you trust, such as family, friends, and neighbors, about helping out in an emergency.
Types of Respite Care in Alaska
Respite care can be provided at home by friends, other family members, volunteers, or paid service. Respite care services are also available in facilities such as Baxter Senior Living.
In-Home Care Services in Anchorage, Alaska offer a range of options, often including the following:
- Companion Services
Companion services provide the individual with companionship and supervised activities during daytime hours. - Personal Care or In Home Health Aids
Personal care or in home health services assist with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, toileting, and exercising. Often, the individuals who provide these services will have certifications or licenses depending on the state you live in. - Cleaning Services
Some in-home care or assisted living communities offer cleaning services. These are specifically designed to help with laundry, shopping, and preparing meals. While some separate these daily tasks from companion services or home health aides, others consider them part of personal care needs. - Overnight Services
At senior living communities like Baxter, respite care services include overnight care. Overnight care allows caregivers to take an extended break or vacation while their senior loved one stays in a supervised, safe environment.
Respite care in Alaska, like those provided at Baxter Senior Living in Anchorage, allow the opportunity for seniors to experience assisted living without committing long term. Since respite care is not a permanent change, merely a moment in time to allow caregivers the ability to regroup and refresh when needed. Care-giving is not easy. Which is why we have a strong, thoughtful and compassionate team here to help you. Feel free to speak with one of our Journey Advisors today to see if our Respite Care in Alaska, may be valuable experience for your home and your family.
