Exploring the Limits of Respite Care Giving

Respite caregiver limits differ among differentrespite care arrangements provided at adult daycare
agencies. Sometimes you can contract individuallyfacilities, nursing homes or other venues where
with trained caregivers not working for an agencyspecialized caregivers are trained in patient primary
who is taking on clients. But even then, there arehealth concerns.
limitations imposed by liability insurance companiesEmergency medical care is also not part of such
that cover workers.services, although all respite care workers need to be
Most care workers enjoy their time with patients andtrained in first aid and CPR. If need occurs, a worker
families and are glad to lend their helping hand,contacts appropriate medical responders. They will
however, some things they cannot include as part ofthen provide emergency care or transportation to an
a respite agreement.emergency room.
For example, hospice care is usually not offered.Child daycare service for working parents is not
Under the umbrella of hospice care, the option ofconsidered. Parents of children with special care during
respite is available, but respite care only gives basicthe workday may wish to find a purposely outfitted
kinship caring. It is never identical with aspects ofdaycare center. Similarly, a worker is not a handyman
hospice help, which has more medical and spiritualor a housekeeper, and shouldn't be expected to do
components.any home repair or housekeeping.
Nursing also is not included. Administration ofEnsuring you know in advance all the expectations
injections and medication, running of tests, such asand details of the respite caregiver will make the
diabetes related blood glucose tests are an exampleexperience better for all involved.
of nursing functions. Nursing may be involved in