Eligibility and Information for the In-Home Respite Care Program
In-Home Respite Care is intended to provide a break for Caregivers living with client. Caregivers can take this opportunity to leave the home or even stay home and catch up on a book or nap, etc.
Eligibility Requirements:
- The Care Receiver must require continual supervision in order to live in their own home with the Caregiver or the home of the Caregiver.
- The Care Receiver must require a substitute Caregiver while their primary Caregiver needs respite.
- The Care Receiver must be at least 60 years or better and a Bay County Resident. The Caregiver must be a Bay County resident and must live with the Care Receiver.
- Services may only be provided within Bay County.
- The Care Receiver must be able to toilet and take medications independently or with reasonable accommodations.
- Department on Aging’s Registered Nurse will complete an assessment of needs to determine that eligibility has been met before services may begin.
- An emergency plan, care plan and donation request form will be completed at time of assessment.
- A signature will be obtained that Caregiver has received and understands the Medication Handling Procedure.
- A home visit for reassessment is required every 180 days and a monitoring call about services every 60 days.
- Worker provides companionship, supervision, light meal preparation, medication cues, and activities.
- Activities may include games, cards, puzzles, reading out loud, watching movies/TV, reminiscence thru photo albums or videos, and other reasonable activities approved by the Senior Services Manager.
- Light meal preparation includes heating pre-prepared food, sandwich, and soup.
- Outdoor activities are allowed for those that are safe to do so and if approved by the Registered Nurse and/or Senior Services Manager.
Medication Handling Procedure:
- Worker may not touch medications in the home or place medication into a Care Receivers’ mouth or hand. Medications may be left in a container and the worker may provide a beverage and verbally cue the Care Receiver to take the medication.
- A copy of the medication handling procedure will be given to each Caregiver at the time of assessment and a signature will be obtained from the Caregiver stating that they have received and understand the policy.
- When possible, medications should be administered by the Caregiver prior to or following respite visits.
- Respite Care staff cannot administer over the counter medications or medications that are not left in a container noted for verbal cueing.
Exclusions to Services
- Respite Care staff is not able to transport clients, provide cleaning, shopping, or bath services.
- Respite Care staff is not able to provide pet care.
- Respite Care staff is not able to provide lifting of Care Receiver.
- Respite Care staff is not able to assist with diapering or clean up after toileting.
