While caregivers assist those with chronic conditions, illnesses, disabilities and injuries, they also occasionally need to attend to their own personal needs. Respite care fills this gap by providing temporary care when a caregiver isn't available. At the assisted living communities under the Bethesda Senior Living Communities umbrella, we have sufficient staff to allow our caregivers time off when needed. But that's not always possible if you're the only caregiver. Know what to look for before enlisting the services of a respite care community.

1. Choose the Correct Type of Respite Care

Respite care can range from in-house care to off-site services. Some people's respite care can be done virtually, while others need the constant care and attention of a dedicated staff member. Ensure the community you're looking at using can assist with all the needs for the duration of the stay. Some examples of respite care include:

• Emergency
• In-home and out-of-home
• Short-term
• Retreat-style
• Technology-based
• Religious-based
• Therapeutic

2. Consider the Quality of Care

Caregiving doesn't always require hands-on or specialized care. Sometimes you simply need a pair of eyes to watch over someone. However, when that's not the case, it's important to check whether the respite community meets all the requirements of the care needed. You'll want to consider:

• The level of care offered. Staff need to be trained and qualified to provide the care required, as certain conditions may need specialized care. Examples include wound care, medication management, disability-specific care and palliative and hospice care.
• Sufficient staff. The staff-to-resident ratio should be at a level consistent with the care required.

3. Opt for a Travel-Friendly Solution

Respite care should offer a convenient care solution, and that means being close to family or the resident's home base. Some things to consider when choosing the location include:

• Accessibility through major or regular routes
• An area that's familiar to the resident to increase their level of comfort
• Being near loved ones

If you can't find a suitable location close to home or near loved ones, consider a location that has reasonable access to transport options, such as bus routes, airports or highways.

4. Research the Community's Reputation and Possible Complaints

Regardless of the level of care a resident may require, the community must have the required accreditations to provide the level of care it lists. These communities are often regulated by the state. Check online to see whether the licensing information is made public. These often reveal any regulatory missteps or complaints.

Online reviews on sites such as Facebook, elder care community pages and search engines can also provide insight into the way the community treats its residents. Happy residents will make it known by leaving their reviews of good experiences.

If possible, visit the community in person to get a feel for it. Interact with staff and current residents and check to see whether the community is being maintained.

5. Find Out Whether There Are Social Engagements and Activities

Respite care should include a healthy dose of social engagement and activities. These activities should be geared to the unique needs and abilities of each resident. Social activities can help with:

• Mental wellness. Games and activities keep the mind active, and some games also provide cognitive stimulation, which is helpful for those with memory diseases.
• Physical health. Physical activities in line with the abilities of residents help with physical and emotional well-being and can boost the immune system.
• Emotional support. Meeting with peers can be a tremendous boost for the well-being of a resident. Sharing experiences can also reduce stress levels.
• Learning opportunities. Residents can learn new skills and build emotional resilience through targeted activities.

6. Personal Preferences of the Resident and Loved Ones

Personal preferences play a big role in choosing a respite care community. Some of the aspects to consider are:

• Food and dietary requirements. Opt for a community that caters to dietary needs, especially if the resident is sensitive to certain food groups.
• Cultural and religious requirements. Cultural and religious aspects determine many factors in a care setting, such as the food, decor and activities.
• Amenities. Amenities can have a tremendous impact on the quality of the respite stay. Some popular options include fully stocked libraries, on-site barbers and salons, safe walkways, outdoor seating areas and communal social areas.
• Decor and comfort. Comfortable couches and beds go a long way toward making respite stays more agreeable.

7. Factor in the Costs

Finances play a big role in choosing the ideal respite care community. Find the sweet spot between amenities, services and the quality of care provided that matches your budgetary requirements. It's important to know that price isn't always an indication of the level of care provided by a community. Instead, do the research, visit the community and consider all the factors that may make a community ideal for respite care.

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