Daytona Beach Senior AdvisorWhat are the signs of caregiver burnout?
Exhaustion that sleep does not fix, irritability, withdrawing from friends, getting sick more often, skipping one's own medical care, and feeling resentful or hopeless are the classic signs.
Spouses caring for a husband or wife are especially at risk because they often hide how hard it has become. Adult children should ask directly.
What respite options exist here?
Adult day care on weekdays, in-home respite from a home care agency, short respite stays in an assisted living facility, and respite provided through ElderSource's caregiver programs for those who qualify.
There are 5 licensed adult day care centers in the two counties: David I. Siegel Adult Day Care Center in Palm Coast, Alba Court Adult Day Care Center in New Smyrna Beach, Beacon of Life Florida LLC D/B/A Boldage PACE in Holly Hill, Sender Retreat in DeLand, Stay for A Day Adult Day Care in Orange City. Many ALFs offer short furnished stays when they have room; ask about a minimum stay and whether the same rules on admission apply.
What free help is available for caregivers?
ElderSource (1-888-242-4464) connects caregivers with the National Family Caregiver Support Program, Alzheimer's Disease Initiative respite and other services delivered locally by partners such as the Council on Aging of Volusia County and Flagler County Senior Services.
Support groups, caregiver training and help with planning are often available at no cost, but some services have waiting lists, so call before a crisis.
When should the care plan change?
When the caregiver's health is suffering, when care needs happen at night, when the person needs more lifting or hands-on care than the caregiver can safely give, or when there are any signs of neglect or anger that frighten either person.
Changing the plan is not giving up. A move to assisted living often lets a spouse return to being a husband or wife rather than a full-time aide.
How can paid help be fitted into a tight budget?
Use the cheapest service that covers the hardest hours: adult day care for weekdays, a few hours of aide time for bathing, Medicare home health after any hospital stay, and a Medicaid long-term care plan if your parent qualifies.
| Hours of paid help per week | Monthly cost at $32/hour | Versus the $5,500 assisted living median |
|---|---|---|
| 8 | $1,109 | less |
| 16 | $2,219 | less |
| 24 | $3,328 | less |
| 32 | $4,437 | less |
| 44 | $6,101 | more |
| 60 | $8,320 | more |
| 84 | $11,648 | more |
| 168 | $23,296 | more |
At a glance
| Sustainable caregiving has | Burnout looks like | |
|---|---|---|
| Breaks | Regular respite every week | No break for months |
| Help | Paid or family help sharing the load | One person doing everything |
| Health | The caregiver keeps their own appointments | The caregiver's health declining |
Sources: Chapters 408, 429 and 651, Florida Statutes; Florida Administrative Code chapters 59A-36 and 65A-2; publications of AHCA, DCF, OIR and the Department of Elder Affairs; and the CareScout and VA tables named on the page. See our editorial standards for how figures are checked.
