Follow
Share
Find Care & Housing
Yes, many facilities offer respite stays, or you could hire 24/7 home care. None of it comes cheap though.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to cwillie
Report

Yes, do check facilities in your area. Speak also with the care team arranging your surgery so they are aware you are a 24/7 caregiver; ask their recommendations for care. Be sure you get all the rehab you need to recover and we sure wish you good luck.
Helpful Answer (4)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

Also try searching 'respite' for your zip code on findhelp.org. By searching on a zip code near me, I see several nationwide programs, many are disease specific or based on veteran status but some, like the Well Spouse Association (wellspouse.org) is not. There are also local offerings from social and aging services.

Best wishes for a successful surgery and mend well.
Helpful Answer (3)
Reply to ravensdottir
Report

I recently went through this. I needed surgery and a 7 week recovery period before resuming caregiving responsibilities for my wife. I contacted local nursing homes that could provide her level of care and arranged for a respite stay for her.
Helpful Answer (9)
Reply to Robert525
Report

Most Memory Care facilities will do a Respite Stay. Unfortunately it will be an out of pocket expense. (although if his doctor confirms that it is necessary that he have 24/7 care it might be tax deductible but check with your tax preparer)
There are "hoops" you will have to jump through.
They will most likely need a Dr. exam stating he is in good health.
In some areas a TB skin test, chest X-ray or blood test. (if you do the skin test some areas also require 2 test be done)
And most likely they will want to assess him.
If he is on Hospice the Hospice will cover Respite, it is not a long time but after that the rest of the Respite could be private pay. (Or the Hospice may decide that a few more days of Respite could be charted as Pain or Symptom management and that way it would be covered by Medicare/Medicaid)
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Grandma1954
Report

Medicare covers limited respite care, but only if your husband is in hospice care. However, other options such as Medicaid, if your husband is eligible, long term care insurance, if you have a policy, or local programs might provide assistance.

To find out about local respite care programs, you can try the following resources: Area Agency on Aging (AAA). Every community has a local AAA office that can provide information on respite care, home health services, and other support for caregivers. You can search for the local office by visiting the Eldercare Locator website www.eldercare.acl.gov or by calling (877) 677-1116. Nonprofit Organizations. Groups like the Alzheimer’s Association, if your wife has dementia, or the Family Caregiver Alliance often offer caregiver support, including respite care. They may have local chapters or partnerships with respite programs. Caregiver Support Programs. Many communities offer caregiver support programs through local hospitals, senior centers, or faith based organizations. A quick internet search for “respite care” in your city or contacting a local senior center might provide leads. VA. If either the husband or the wife is a veteran, the VA offers caregiver support programs, including respite care, through its VA Caregiver Support Program.

I hope everything goes smoothly with your surgery and recovery.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to HaveYourBack
Report

If you husband can qualify for hospice, talk to them.
That is what I did for my brother when I was sick.
They said that if I had to to go in the hospital, they would take him for respite and if the time ran over, they would make sure he was cared for.
But all hospices are probably different.
It does not hurt to ask.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to Jo123456
Report

lfm5252: Speak to your surgery care team.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to Llamalover47
Report

I believe you need to ask your insurance company.
Medicare? Medi-cal? Call your insurance company and ask -
These (rehabs / after surgery care) may be very different depending on your health insurance coverage and where you reside.

Gena / Touch Matters
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to TouchMatters
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter