Hospice Respite Care: All You Need To Know

Updated on September 16, 2021

They say it takes a village to raise a child. Same is the case with taking care of ill patients. With 15 years of experience under our cap, the A-med team understands what hospice respite care is all about. 

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Over the years, we’ve come across many family members or loved ones who experience caregiver fatigue. Caregiver fatigue is when a caregiver experiences emotional and physical exhaustion due to their demanding responsibilities. It is a very common occurrence which still leaves caregivers a negative outlook or leaves them with added guilt for not doing enough. 

But there is no reason to feel that way. And there is a way out! Hospice respite care are occasional services which allow the caregiver to take a break from their routine. It allows them to rest and remain guilt-free knowing that experiences and empathetic health professionals are looking after their loved ones!

What is Hospice Respite Care?

Respite care is a hospice care service that allows in-home caregivers to take breaks occasionally. It provides up to five days of inpatient hospice care at a hospital or nursing facility. 

Respite hospice care service is covered by Medicare and can be availed once every billing cycle. You can also request this service more than once in case of an emergency. 

However, respite service care is advised for patients who are already admitted in a nursing facility with 24*7 care. 

What are the signs that you need Hospice Respite Care Services? 

The role of a caregiver is demanding and taxing. Apart from taking care of the patient, a caregiver usually has many roles such as taking care of family members, managing chores and a job. This results in exhaustion. You may experiencing one or more of the following if you are facing a burnout- 

  1. Feeling physically Tired or Sick Frequently 

It is no secret that your mental health plays a role in your physical well being as well. Caregivers who face burnouts often feel physically exhausted and may experience physical symptoms of sickness such as fatigue, upset stomach or indigestion. 

  1. Changes in your Mood

When a caregiver faces a burnout they may experience frequent mood swings. Caregivers may also experience bouts of depression, anger and anxiety. 

  1. Changes in Appetite and Sleep Patterns

  One of the most common yet overlooked signs of a burnout are changes in appetite. You may experience a loss of appetite or the sudden urge to binge eat. You may also experience loss of sleep or the urge to sleep throughout the day (Which is a sign of depression) 

All these signs are an indication that you need a break from your responsibilities and should consider hospice respite care. 

Benefits of Hospice Care for Caregivers: 

Caregivers feel pressured to look after patients at all points. Most perceive a break as a failure to perform their duties. In reality caregiving can get the strongest people due to the demanding nature of the job. Here are some ways in which hospice respite care can help caregivers- 

  1. It provides some time to relax their mind and body and tend to their needs for a change. It provides a break where caregivers can put themselves first without any concerns. 
  2. A positive outlook and a rejuvenated mind. It helps them manage their emotional well-being. 
  3. Increased energy- after a well deserved break, most caregivers experience increased energy and tend to cope with their chores much more easily. 
  4. Improved appetite and sleep patterns- the break helps most caregivers take care of themselves and fix their sleep patterns along with their appetite. 
  5. Improved interpersonal relationships- when caregivers allow themselves to take a break they are able to improve communications and their relationships with their friends and family. 

Benefits of Hospice Respite Care of Patients:

Patients also benefit from undivided professional care that hospice respite care provides. Here are some ways in which it can help the patients- 

  1. Professional medical attention– the patient is reallocated to a nursing facility or hospital for a few days, allowing them to have professional medical care throughout the day 
  2. Managing physical and emotional symptoms- Our team at A-med are trained to take care of terminally ill patients and can help manage all symptoms whether it is pain management or grief management

It is said that you can’t pour from an empty vessel. All caregivers deserve frequent breaks and should not feel guilty when they avail hospice respite care services. If you are a caregiver and are looking for a facility to help you out, do not hesitate to reach out to us at amedhospice.com

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.