Adult Day Services and Respite Care in Chicago: Where to Start
Over 20% of adults end up becoming caregivers for a family member or loved one. Caregiving, while rewarding, also presents many challenges. Family caregivers often juggle loved ones’ needs with their own lives, creating a delicate balance and often, a lot of stress. Adult day services and respite care provide support. These services offer a break, allowing caregivers to recharge their batteries and prevent burnout. For those living in Chicago, understanding how to access these services is important to creating a sustainable caregiving environment that benefits both you and your senior loved one. Here’s what to know!
What is Respite Care?
Respite care provides caregivers with a break from their caregiving duties. This essential service can be delivered in various settings, including homes, adult day care centers, or even residential care facilities.
Respite encompasses a variety of services that are meant to meet the specific needs of both caregivers and the people they care for. Common services include:
- Companionship
- Assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADL)
- Supervision
- Medical Care
- Help Around the House
- Transportation
- Meal Prep
Where to Find Respite Care in Chicago
As the general population ages, respite care is becoming more essential. Family caregiving, while an important job, can be very demanding and both mentally and physically exhausting. In fact, a study conducted by the CDC found that over 50% of caregivers experience stress-related declines in their health. So, where can you find respite care in Chicago to counter this burnout?
At Home
Depending on your senior loved one’s needs, home care can be the perfect option. Home care includes a broad spectrum of services and supports. It can provide things like companionship, ADL assistance, and even skilled nursing. To find home care near Chicago, start with these resources:
Senior Resource Home Care Directory – Chicago, IL
Top 10 Home Health Care Services Near Chicago
Or, click here to search for home care in the state of Illinois!
Adult Day Services
Adult day services offer professional care, socialization, and enrichment opportunities in a community-based group setting. These types of centers can help reduce the stress of caregiving or simply provide a safe place for your loved one during the day. Adult day cares and other adult day health services usually feature services like:
- ADL assistance
- Social activities
- Exercise
- Transportation,
- Health monitoring.
If you’re looking for adult day services near Chicago, then start with these resources:
Senior Resource Adult Day Care Directory – Chicago, IL
Top 8 Adult Day Care Centers Near Chicago
Or, click here to search for adult day cares in the state of Illinois!
Residential Facilities
Assisted living facilities or nursing homes may offer care to non-residents on an as-needed basis. Respite in a residential facility can include overnight stays, health monitoring, skilled nursing, and more. To find residential facilities near Chicago, start here:
Senior Resource Assisted Living Directory – Chicago, IL
Senior Resource Nursing Care Directory – Chicago, IL
Assisted Living Near Chicago: Top 10
Alden Estates and 6 More Nursing Homes Near Chicago
How Much Does Respite Care in Chicago Cost?
Though actual costs will vary by agency or facility and depend on the number of services needed, here are the average daily costs of respite:
| Type of Care | National Average Daily Cost | Illinois Average Daily Cost | Chicago Average Daily Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home Health Aide | $207 | $226 | $217 |
| Adult Day Care | $95 | $100 | $98 |
| Residential Care | $260 | $234 | $296 |
How To Pay for Respite Care in Chicago
Besides personal savings, seniors and families have several possibilities that can help pay for respite!
Long-Term Care Insurance
Traditional health insurance rarely pays for costs associated with long-term care. But, with long-term care insurance, policyholders can receive help paying for medical or personal care that is needed for extended periods of time, including respite.
Veteran Benefits
The VA will cover the costs of many different services under standard health benefits.
To see a full list of services or to apply for assistance, visit these resources:
VA Nursing Homes, Assisted Living, and Home HealthCare
Veterans Service Organizations – Chicago Regional Office
Medicaid
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps low-income individuals pay for care. It can help with the cost of custodial care, medical care, and yes, respite care! Every state has different qualification requirements. So, for eligibility and enrollment info in Illinois, visit these resources:
Illinois Healthcare and Family Services
More Help Finding Respite Care
Caring for yourself is just as important as caring for a loved one. And, respite can help you do that! If you need more assistance finding respite care in Chicago or other areas, then try these resources:
Popular Articles About Chicago and Illinois
Popular Articles About Adult Day Care
Originally published May 02, 2024
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