"You and your program are the one blessing for my family who has endured so much."
"I was most pleased and satisfied with the support we received form the respite program.  It also allowed me to have some time away from twenty-hour caregiving responsibilities.  I was able to do some things for myself and not have to worry.  This reduced stress in my life and I really looked forward to this break.  I am most greatful and appreciative for all the support."
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Respite

 

Many caregivers are aging themselves yet find themselves caring for others and often neglect their own health concerns.  To help counter the stress and strain on caregivers, HELP Adult Services provides Respite services and resources to homebound adults and caregivers of chronically ill and frail adults.

Studies have shown that 65% of those with long-term care needs rely exclusively on family and friends to provide assistance. And for those loving caregivers, 63% rate emotional stress and 44% rate financial burden a reason for their own health decline. The HELP Adult Services Respite program helps to relieve this stress.

 

Respite Companions provide a helping hand, encouragement to remain active, and assistance with important daily tasks.  Respite Companions do not provide any medical services.  They receive training on how to be a Respite Companion and provide respite companionship for 2 to 4 hours a week.


As one Respite family explains,

"My mom loves the company and the conversation.  It doesn't seem like such an endless chore to take care of Mom.  I think I am doing a better job by having a break now and then.  Thank you so much."

The Respite Mission:

    -    To help families continue to care for homebound loved-ones

     -     To improve the quality of life for both the homebound individuals and the caregivers 

     -     To improve resources that will help families attain a greater level of independence 

          

Respite Companionship Provides:

For the Family

     -     Relief for the family 

               •     A reprieve for the family while the Respite Companion is with the homebound adult (2-4hrs wk)

               •     Communication and support 

     -     Resource for community assistance 

For the Homebound Adult

     -     Conversation and companionship

               •     Conversations reminiscing about the past

               •     Discuss current and historical events

     -     Recreation and activities

               •     Play games, crafts & cards

               •     Record and arrange recipes

               •     Watch movies

               •     Help record family history

               •     Aid with reading

               •     Help care recipient with writing letters and correspondence

     -     Help with mobility & help stimulate mental awareness 

               •     Assist with walking

               •     Provide Alzheimer's care

     -     Lessens the worry about the welfare of their caregiver 

 

Only non-medical services are provided.

Benefits of Respite Companionship:

Caregivers

     -     Experience emotional rejuvenation 

     -     Have the ability to take care of their own health 

     -     Have a resource to ask questions and find further support 

Care Recipients

     -     Develop a new friendship 

     -     Be able to share stories and confide in someone new 

     -     Exposed to new activities which may improve mental health 

     -     Be able to maintain quality of life at home 

About the Respite Companion:

Background checks are completed for every Respite Companion.

 

A complete training on respite services and community resources is completed prior to being placed with families. Continuous training is then conducted monthly with area health professionals and partner agencies.

 

Match meetings are conducted to ensure a good match I found for both the family and the Respite Companion. The Program Manager contacts the family regularly to monitor the progress of the Respite service.

Who do I contact if my family needs Respite Companionship?

 

            HELP Adult Services

            Respite Program Manager

            1941 S. 42nd St, Suite 200

            Omaha NE 68105

 

            (402)341-6559 x106

 

Respite Companionship is provided in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metropolitan area. There is a low hourly fee (sliding-fee scale) for services to help support the program and on-going training.

 

HELP Adult Services is proud to report that of every dollar received through fees and donations, .93¢ goes directly to programs and only .07¢ goes to administration.