Nearly 50 million people are caring for a loved one at home, and a majority of these caregivers are providing care for elderly parents or spouses.

Being a caregiver can be an extremely rewarding and joyous experience, but it can also be very emotionally and physically taxing. In order to help alleviate the demands of being a primary caregiver, it is helpful to communicate with family members openly, honestly and regularly. Primary caregivers should evaluate their limitations when caring for someone in the home, and what he/she can reasonably accomplish. Participating in a support group or caregiver program is a great way to help manage expectations and alleviate concerns.

Most people caring for an elderly family member needs a short break, or some time to decompress. That's where respite care comes in. Respite care provides temporary, short-term relief for family caregivers. Respite helps to increase the health and well being of the caregiver, it can delay the need for skilled nursing services, and it reduces the chance of abuse and neglect.

The most common forms of services used by caregivers are in-home respite and out-of-home respite.

In-home respite care is typically arranged through an agency specializing in services for seniors, but some families may choose to set up volunteer assistance. The length of care can range from a few hours to overnight. Respite care provided in the home typically includes companionship, and activities that promote recreation and stimulation. In-home respite can also incorporate personal care and homemaker services, which can include help with bathing, dressing, meal preparation, shopping and housekeeping.

Out-of-home respite care can consist of:

• Adult Day Centers: Programs that include planned activities promoting well being and health. Most centers operate during normal business hours, Monday through Friday.
• Residential Programs: Many senior communities offer short stay respite services, which provide 24-hour support for seniors and relief for caregivers.
• Caregiver Retreats/Respite Camps: Although these programs are not wide-spread, they offer respite services combined with caregiver education and peer support.

 Trusting someone to help care for a loved one can be difficult. However, there are several precautions and measure you can take to help give you peace of mind. When investigating respite services, caregivers should always:

• Perform extensive interviews with each in-home provider candidate, or talk to several staff members at an out-of-home respite facility.
• Ask for several references, and establish the trustworthiness, reliability and safety of each person or organization.
• Be clear about expectations of care, including tasks, skills, schedules and activities.
• Discuss compensation, and thoroughly research acceptable pricing for services.

When it comes to paying for respite care, there are several options. Most insurance companies and Veteran's benefits will assist in paying for respite services. In addition, social security benefits, grants, Medicaid and state agencies can also provide financial assistance.

Article contributed by Trinity Senior Living Communities (TSLC) .