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Pros & Cons of Respite Care

Caregivers of elderly or disabled loved ones make many sacrifices. They often have to put their life on "pause" to provide the care that is required. Respite care provides care to the person in need, and allows caregivers much-needed time off. In 1985, the AARP wrote a "Caregiver's Bill of Rights," which states: "... I have the right to take care of myself ... to seek help from others ... to take pride in what I am accomplishing ... to protect my individuality." Respite care gives caregivers permission to exercise their personal rights.

  1. Pro: Prevents Immediate Need for Nursing Home Care

    • Respite care can eliminate or prolong the need for nursing home care. The person in need of care can remain in their own home for as long as possible. Many people -- including the elderly, disabled and primary caregivers -- have concerns about nursing homes. Among these concerns are the level of personalized attention a loved one will receive, staffing capabilities to immediately respond to a health emergency and the financial costs of long-term nursing home care.

    Pro: Provides a Caregiver Personal Life Balance

    • In many cases, one family member (often a daughter) serves as the primary caregiver. This person may also have to meet the demands of raising children or holding down a job. Caregivers often find themselves unable to have personal time to attend to their own needs, whether they are visiting friends, going to a movie, and worst of all, taking care of their own health. A respite care provider, even if she only works one or two days a week, allows the primary caregivers to take care of someone who also needs care: herself.

    Con: Continuity, Security and "Chemistry" With the Respite Care Provider

    • Respite care providers can range from registered nurses to people who have training in home care services. Some caregivers work part-time, and earn minimum wage. Consequently, they move on when they land a job that pays more money. Just when the person being cared for and the caregiver develop rapport and strike a good working "chemistry," the caregiver may find another job. This means having to start the process all over again. Another consideration is that a respite care provider has first-hand knowledge about a home's contents and homeowners may be vulnerable to theft. However, most staffing agencies screen employees and perform background checks before hiring workers. To address this concern, you must ask the respite care agency about its screening process and review the terms of your homeowner's insurance policy.

    Con: Financial Considerations

    • The cost of respite care varies, but can be expensive. The cost to hire a caregiver can be $15 or more per hour (as of May 2011), with montly costs totaling hundreds or thousands of dollars. Some states have programs to help families offset the cost of respite care, however, they take into consideration the income of the person being cared for, which may still result in out-of-pocket costs for the family. If the person being cared for has little income, some local, state and charitable organizations provide services at no costs. Families should also speak to an insurance agent to review coverage for the one in need of care to find out about qualifications and the amount of costs the policy might cover.

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