Understanding the Cost of Respite Care for Seniors
Caregiver burnout is a stark reality for more American families than most people think.
AARP surveys show that about 34.2 million people across the nation provide unpaid care to loved ones over age 50. It's easy to feel alone when experiencing the emotional and physical tolls of caregiving, but you're far from it.
Here, we'll discuss:
- Why respite care is important
- The basic cost of respite care
- What factors influence that cost
- How you can get financial help for respite care
Read on to take the first steps toward getting a reprieve from short-term elder care.
The Basics of Respite Care Services
Respite care is a short-term assisted living solution. It's made for seniors who are:
- Recovering from surgery
- Healing after an accident
- Contending with chronic illness
It can aid in recovery because of experienced caregiver assistance. New respite care residents get personalized care plans for rehabilitation. Physical and occupational therapy are available.
Respite care is also important for familial caregivers. Caregiving takes a huge mental and emotional toll on family members, which can lead to:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- A lack of purpose
- Physical pain from moving the loved one
- No alone time
- Frustration
- Caregiver burnout
Caregivers who invest in respite care can rest and recuperate. They can focus on their own needs. Plus, they won't need to take leave from work to provide care, which means getting more money.
The Cost of Respite Care: A Breakdown
Residential respite care is the best option for most families. Seniors will temporarily move to a senior living community until they're back on their feet.
There are several advantages of residential respite care over in-home or daycare services:
- More services
- Accessible amenities available 24/7
- Constant access to compassionate care staff
- Expert-led recovery plans
- Daily physical therapy to build mobility
- Easy medication management for seniors with new prescriptions
- True reprieve for caregivers who want to relax after work
- Caregiver freedom to take vacations and trips
Genworth's Cost of Care survey suggests that the average residential respite care costs about $141 daily. Since in-home care costs $150 each day, this saves a lot of money over the full recovery period.
However, these numbers are not completely accurate projections.
It's impossible to accurately predict the average cost of respite care with a simple Google search. There are too many factors that go into this price.
Carefully considering your specific needs and discussing them with an expert is important for accurate estimates.
Duration of Respite Care
The length of time your loved one spends getting help will greatly impact the cost of respite care.
If your loved one requires a two-week stay while recovering from surgery, their bills will be lower than someone who stays for a month while caregivers get relief.
Figuring out how much care costs per day means you can add the figures up more easily. Professionals at high-quality respite care communities can help crunch the numbers.
Amenities
The quality of your loved one's living space will greatly impact the cost of respite care.
Those in low-quality communities won't need to pay as high a cost as those who get well-appointed apartments.
However, there are a wide range of reasons not to shirk nice surroundings:
- A better quality of life for seniors
- Faster recovery times in a positive environment
- Greater access to amenities like kitchenettes (fewer takeout bills)
- Readily available WiFi for communication with families
- The ability to bring pets to respite care
You also should be aware that communities may cost more because they're safer than alternatives. Better communities come with accessibility features in both resort-style apartments and common areas:
- Grab bars to prevent falls
- No-slip shower floors and bathmats
- Grip bars for shower safety
- Wheelchair ramps throughout the community
- Wheelchair-friendly wide doorways
- Wide hallways that can accommodate mobility aids
Plus, there are several different apartment styles in top-notch Iowa respite care communities. You can choose from:
- Two-bedroom apartments
- One-bedroom apartments
- Suite-style studios
This gives families some control over the cost of care.
Level of Care Needed
No two seniors in respite care have precisely the same needs.
Some need specialized care services after a medical procedure. Others will need round-the-clock help to assist them in case car accident injuries flare up.
Specialized services and 24-hour care cost more than those who only require rehabilitative services and minimal assistance.
Included Services
Temporary senior care costs largely depend on the services they include.
Some things that may bring the price up include:
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitative care plans
- Individualized care plans
- Added safety features
- 24/7 assistance when needed
- On-site transportation
- Social activities
- Three daily meals
- Personal refrigerators
- Natural light from many windows
- Outdoor amenities
However, even if they make respite care pricing higher, these services are necessary. Plus, you won't need to pay for amenities like WiFi and temperature control when they're already included in the price of care.
There won't be any hidden fees to contend with.
Funding Respite Care for Seniors
Some people choose to pay completely out of pocket for temporary senior care options. Unfortunately, taking on all costs yourself is not feasible for all families. It can cost thousands of dollars to recover this way.
Luckily, there are financing options available for those who need senior respite care services!
Insurance is a primary factor that makes short-term senior living affordable. Different plans offer varying amounts of assistance. You'll need to call your provider for specifics.
Medicare covers assisted living expenses in many cases. Often, it covers up to five full days of respite care. After that, you may need to pay some money out of pocket, but it might be far less than a 100% out-of-pocket payment plan.
Private personal loans are another option. You can get them at your bank or any reputable borrowing company.
Some community-based nonprofit organizations also offer money for respite care. You'll need to look into these. Experts at quality Tipton, IA communities may have some tips about where to start.
Access Affordable Senior Care Today
The cost of respite care varies depending on your loved one's individual needs. Professionals at residential care communities will listen to your specific situation and help you break down costs.
With all the financing options available, respite care communities are a great choice for most families.
Contact Prairie Hills Tipton to learn more about the best respite care community in Iowa.