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Respite VS. In-Home Care: What's the Difference?

As you start to consider care options for a loved one, you’ll come across a few different types of care services that are available. If you’re new to the world of caregiving, the terminology can be a little confusing. Helping a loved one enter a new chapter of their life can be stressful enough without the responsibility of deciphering the “lingo” used in caregiving. It’s easier to have an open discussion with a care service about your needs when you know what services to specifically ask for at your loved one’s home. Here are the differences between respite care and in-home service care, so you can be informed prior to meeting with a caregiver representative.

Long term home care, in particular, can help patients recovering from surgery or injury as well as patients with ongoing or chronic medical conditions, such as Alzheimers disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and ALS. While this article focuses on ALS nursing care in the home, similar factors may be used in considering a Parkinson’s care plan or multiple sclerosis care plan, as well as planning dementia home care or Alzheimers home care.

What is in-home service care?

In-home service care is an alternative option to having your loved one move to a skilled nursing facility. Much like a skilled nursing facility (SNF), in-home care provides your loved one with quality care from knowledgeable and trained medical professionals. Whatever treatment, therapy, or other necessary medical and personal services your loved one needs can be accomplished from the comfort of a familiar place (whether it’s your home or theirs).

In-home care is often the best option for families, because it’s often more affordable than SNF and it’s more convenient for everyone. You don’t have to travel to as many appointments and you can pick and choose the hours in which you need home care assistance, ultimately reducing the cost.

What types of in-home care are offered?

There are many types of in-home care. Whatever your needs are as a family, the in-home care service is most likely offered as an option. From skilled nursing care to pediatric in-home care nursing you’ll be able to find what works for you. Even if your senior just needs someone to take them out grocery shopping, your loved one can benefit from senior companion care.

What is respite care?

If you’re a primary caregiver, you may benefit from looking into respite care. Respite care exists to offer home care assistance to primary caregivers who could use some time off. You do a great job taking care of your loved one, but it’s a lot of hard work. If you’re feeling like you could benefit from a break, talk to a reputable and trusted care service about respite care.

Whether you just need someone to take over caregiving responsibilities for a few hours, so you can get a good night’s sleep or you could use help for a few days while you go away on a vacation, respite care can provide you with the rest you need to come back refreshed and recharged. Fedelta’s respite care professionals can provide your loved one with:

Maintenance of daily routine and personal preferences.
Assistance or provision of personal care.
Preparation of meals and light housekeeping.
Medication reminders or assistance.
Safety checks and supervision of physical activities.
Companionship and conversation.
Family updates as requested.
Prompt notification of caregiver concerns with nursing intervention as needed.

Is in-home care or respite care what you need?

In-home care is to help the person who requires care, while respite care is to provide assistance and relief to a primary caregiver. If you’ve been a primary caregiver and are looking to go back to work or transition into part-time caregiving, then you should talk to a representative about in-home care. On the other hand, if you just need a few days to take care of your other responsibilities or need a rest, respite care is likely a great fit. Your needs will change as a caregiver over time, so make sure you understand all of your options.

“Our expert respite care services provide companionship, ensure safety and assist you or your loved one in maintaining a daily routine that’s vital to your mental and bodily wellbeing.” – Krista Hunter – Director of Operations and Administration

Now that you understand the difference between in-home care and respite care, it’ll be easy to figure out which is right for you and your family. The next step is to look into components of care that can be helpful for you, like Long Term Care Insurance. Don’t be afraid to ask questions to set your family up for the most optimal outcome.