I’m a caregiver and am doing this all alone, how do I get a break? 

Some benefits that you or your loved one may be eligible for may include Medi-Cal, which covers adult day centers, In-Home Support Services (IHSS), Veteran’s Aid, and many other programs and services. The IHSS program is considered an alternative to out-of-home care, providing a set number of hours of caregiving that allows disabled individuals to live safely in their own home. Veteran’s Aid can provide additional support to Veterans and to those caring for them. For a more in-depth explanation on these benefits, read our blog post here.

If you are a caregiver and are finding yourself unable to get a break, you may want to consider looking into respite care. Respite services involve short term or temporary care of an individual in order to provide relief to the regular caregiver, who is normally a family member. There are several types of respite care, including in-home care, adult day care, care facilities, and more. Here, we will expand on a few of these options:

 

 

Adult Day Services

Generally, adult day servicees is a resource that provides an older adult with the proper care they need in a safe, communal environment while relieving their regular caregiver of their duties during the daytime. Adult day care centers normally operate during normal business hours five days a week, occasionally offering additional services during weekends and evenings. There are care centers that focus on social interaction, medical care, as well as Alzheimer’s care.

Alzheimer’s Orange County  owns and operates Healthy Aging Center: Acacia, an adult day center called located in Garden Grove. Healthy Aging Center: Acacia is a licensed adult day care center that offers both daytime health and social needs for their participants. Programs at Healthy Aging Center: Acacia allow your loved one to interact with peers in a safe, inviting environment that provides supervision, transportation, meals, activities, and more.

 

Residential Care Facilities

Unlike adult day care centers, which care for participants only during the day while the primary caregiver is away, residential care facilities offer 24-hour room and board and supervision for the elderly. There are also care homes with nursing (also called nursing homes) that have registered nurses on duty at all times to assist with personal medical needs.

When it comes to finding the right care facility for you and your loved one, we strongly encourage you to call our Helpline at 844-373-4400 so that we may refer you to a placement specialist after assessing your family’s needs.

 

Assisted Living Facilities

An assisted living facility is an alternative that provides care and assistance, but is not as hands-on as a residential care facility. Assisted living facilities can be a great option for older adults who need help with daily tasks such as dressing, eating, and bathing, but do not require the intensive nursing care that is characteristic of a residential care facility or a nursing home.


These are only a few of the many choices available to you and your loved one. Please feel free to contact our Helpline to help you explore your options and connect you with other community resources.

 

Have questions concerning Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other memory issues? We have answers.

As part of our array of programs and services for local families affected by Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimer’s Orange County offers a free telephone helpline to answer any questions you may have about the disease. Whether you are someone experiencing dementia or other memory problems, a caregiver, or simply have questions about the disease, our experts are here to provide you with the information, resources, and advice that you need.

Our very own Demetia Care Specialists join us on our blog series to answer the most frequently asked questions that they encounter from caregivers and their loved ones, as well as their solutions to common issues and difficulties you may be experiencing.

Have a question about Alzheimer’s & dementia, but don’t see it here? Be sure to contact Alzheimer’s Orange County’s Helpline at 844-373-4400 and we will help. To see the other programs and resources that Alzheimer’s Orange County can offer to you and your loved ones, visit our website at www.alzoc.org