Respite Services

Other alternatives to bringing care inside the home, is to utilize care programs outside of the home. This could include Adult Day programs or Community Respite Programs.

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Adult Day Programs

If you find you can't afford in-home caregiver arrangements, adult day programs in your community may be a more affordable choice that offers the support your loved one needs. These programs provide activities and socialization during the day while family and friends are at work, then allow them to return home at night when your care partner is free to help with caregiving. The staff at adult day centers are trained to supervise those who are physically frail or have dementia, providing a safe, supportive environment. These programs may operate in connection with local hospitals, residential care facilities, churches, or senior centers, or as stand-alone centers.

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In an adult day program, you will usually receive at least one meal. Planned programming is offered, such as games, fitness, and art classes to help improve cognition and keep you socially engaged. Adult day centers often offer door-to-door transportation options to help you get to the facility or can coordinate carpooling with other participants.

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According to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average nationwide cost of adult care services is $1,603 per month, which is almost $3,000 less than the cost of in-home care. However, this amount can vary significantly. Some adult care centers charge just a few dollars per day, while others charge up to $100.

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Your geographic location and the specific services provided by an adult day program can affect the cost. Keep in mind that you need to look for a center that offers the level of care you require based on your physical and cognitive needs. This is specifically true for programs that are focused on dementia respite. While many living with PD can attend, they may have mobility requirements that limit participation. Again, if you qualify, this is a cost that state and local services, private insurance plans, Medicaid or the Veterans Administration may pay for.

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Respite for All

The mission for the Respite for All Foundation is to inspire, incubate and support Respite Volunteer Ministries for communities seeking to minister to persons with dementia disorders through education, funding, and shared best practices.

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In 2012, the First United Methodist Church in Montgomery created space two days a week where people living with dementia and trained volunteers could come together for continuing education, art, music, exercise, shared meals, and service projects for the community. Additionally, meaningful worship services for everyone were offered several times a month for those living with dementia and related memory loss symptoms including care partners and volunteers.

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The Respite ministry was an immediate success and grew to a total of 20 friends participating along with 65 volunteers the first year of the ministry. As Respite grew, they began meeting three days a week and then four. Fast forward seven years and the local Montgomery program now has 75 weekly friends and 100 active volunteers participating in each week's activities. On average, there are 25-30 friends who come and 15-20 volunteers daily.

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Success has come from the enthusiasm for such a gathering where people could come and enjoy one another's company with no labels. All the name tags are the same because everyone is living with life challenges, and none of us needs his/her differences highlighted. Based on the success of the Respite Ministry at First United Methodist Church in Montgomery, AL, the Respite for All Foundation (RFA) was created to spread the volunteer model of care all over the world.

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Since it began, 22 new respite communities have been launched, most of which are here in Alabama, with more than 1,300 trained and active volunteers serving 1,000 people living with dementia. While the program is geared to serve those with cognitive impairment, there are many activities that can benefit volunteers with PD to help serve this program. Talk with the local program director convenient to you to see how you can volunteer for the program and participate in the activities to encourage socialization, exercise and movement, and increase brain health.

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To see if there is a location near you, visit: Locations for Respite for All Programs.

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To learn more about the program, visit Respite for All.

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Disclaimer: At PAA, our desire is to be a GO TO Resource for everything you need for the Parkinson's diagnosis to live a quality life with PD. We want to make sure you have all resources you need as you plan your journey with Parkinson's now and into the future so that you can reflect and discern what decisions you want to make with the appropriate insights to help you choose and build a plan that is unique as your journey. The PAA, nor the contents on this website, should never be a replacement for professional expertise and guidance from medical, legal, or financial professionals. Our goal is to equip you for those conversations. As such, the PAA cannot be held accountable for your choices and outcomes while navigating your Parkinson's condition.

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