Types of respite care services

Respite care services are offered through community organizations, agencies or residential care facilities. The most common respite care services are in-home care and adult day centers.

In-home care services offer a range of options including:

• companion services provide the individual with dementia company and help supervise activities.

• personal care or home health aide services assist with bathing,
  dressing, toileting and exercising.

• homemaker or maid services help with laundry, shopping, and preparing meals.

• skilled care services help with medication and other medical services.

An adult day center is a place where the person with Alzheimer’s can be with others in a safe environment. Staff lead planned activities, such as music and art programs. Transportation and meals are often provided.

When choosing an adult day center, arrange a meeting with the staff and ask these questions:

• What are the hours, fees and services?

• What types of programs do you offer?

• Are people with dementia separated from other participants or
  included in general activities?

• Is staff trained in dementia issues?

• What types of healthcare professionals are on staff? How do you screen them?

• How are emergency situations handled?

• How do you ensure the safety of the participants?

• Is transportation available?

Finding respite care services

To find the right respite care services for you and the person with dementia, start with these sources:

• Contact your local Alzheimer's Association. They can help you determine what respite services you need and provide referrals in your area. Find my local Alzheimer's Association >>

• Contact the Eldercare Locator to connect with your local Area Agency on Aging. The locator service can also help you identify local respite care services. Call 1.800.6771116 or visit http://www.eldercare.gov/.

• Search for respite care services by state or service at the National Respite Care Locator Web site at http://www.respitelocator.org/.

• Check with your religious organization. Many churches and temples offer respite care services for community members.

• Consider asking or hiring a friend or neighbor to spend time with your loved one while you take a break.