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Respite care is the temporary relief or rest for caregivers and families. This care can be for a few hours, for a few days or several weeks. All caregivers will require respite care. It is essential in maintaining the capability of the caregiver to care for the diagnosed individual. There are several different ways that families receive respite care.
A. Informally, respite care is frequently provided by family and friends. Often family members or friends welcome the opportunity to provide assistance which they know will benefit both the caregiver and diagnosed person. Whether it is once in a while, a routine time, or an emergency back up, do not hesitate to ask for help.
B. Adult Day Care can be very helpful to the diagnosed person and the caregiver. Adult Day Care provides the diagnosed person with a social environment and stimulation while at the same time allowing the caregiver blocks of time to do whatever they choose.
C. In-Home Health Care can be provided in several different ways.
- Insurance generally does not cover ongoing home health care, but if you have private insurance you should check on your specific policy, or with your social worker if you are covered under Medicaid.
- Medicare certified home health agencies most often provide skilled care (RN, Physical, Occupational and /or Speech Therapy ) with a physician�s order. This care is usually short term and intermittent. With a physician�s order, Medicare and other insurance will often cover this type of care. If a skilled service is not required, these agencies often have home health aides who can be hired privately.
- Other home health agencies and registries have nurses, home health aides and companions who can be hired privately. Most agencies have a minimum number of hours (usually three or four) and often can provide live-in assistance.
- Families sometimes choose to hire individuals privately. Most Area Agencies on Aging have companion registries. Some families will advertise or find individuals through word of mouth. This option requires more time and effort at the beginning to screen, interview and check applicants.
- The Fairfax County Health Department does have an In-Home Bathing and Respite Services Program. The bathing and respite services are offered on an hourly basis. An assessment of the client�s needs and case management will be provided by the Health Department�s Public Health Nurses. For further information and/or enrollment call: Mary Jo Ivan, Respite/Bathing Coordinator, 703-246-2947.
D. Most residential facilities will provide short-term respite care. Nursing facilities and assisted living facilities will provide care, based on bed availability, so a family member can get away for a long weekend or a few weeks.
The Respite Care Guide, an 18 page brochure, is published by the Alzheimer�s Association�s National Office and describes Respite Care and the different types of available services. Listings of adult day care centers, home health agencies and residential facilities within our chapter service area are also available. Please call the Chapter for a copy of these materials.
The Area Agencies on Aging are very helpful in providing information on community resources and services such as meals-on-wheels, friendly visitors, telephone reassurance and other volunteer programs. Several offices do maintain Companion Registries of self-employed individuals who will provide home care services. (see below)
| Alexandria Agency on Aging: |
703-838-0920 |
| Arlington County Agency on Aging: |
703-358-5030 |
Fairfax Area Agency on Aging:
(has a companion registry) |
703-324-5411 |
Loudoun County Area Agency on Aging:
(has a companion registry) |
703-777-0257 |
Prince William Agency on Aging:
(has a companion registry) |
703-792-6400 |
Rappahannock Area Agency on Aging:
(has a companion registry)
(serves King George, Stafford, Caroline, Spotsylvania Counties and the City of Fredericksburg) |
540-371-3375
800-262-4012 |
Rappahannock-Rapidan Community Services Board:
(has a companion registry)
(serves Fauquier, Rappahannock, Culpeper, Madison and Orange Counties)
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540-825-3100 |
Shenandoah Area Agency on Aging:
(serves Clarke, Warren, Frederick Counties and the City of Winchester) |
540-635-7141
800-883-4122 |
In the Northern Virginia Chapter Service Area, for more information about
Respite Care, please contact the Chapter's telephone Helpline at (703) 359-4440 or 800-207-8679. Outside Northern Virginia, please contact your local Chapter.
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Last updated: March 1, 1999
Please return to https://www.alz-nova.org or
call 800-207-8679 or (703) 359-4440
for more information about services in Northern Virginia.
© 1997 - 2001 Alzheimer's Association, Northern Virginia Chapter. All rights reserved.
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