The Shella Foundation

Different types of care require different certifications and training. Depending on your specific needs, the caregivers and clinicians coming into your home can vary. You could have different caregivers at different times of the day, week, or month as part of your care. Personal care and companionship services are most often provided by a home health aide (HHA) or certified nursing assistant (CNA). Private duty nursing care and home health care services are provided by registered nurses (RNs) or licensed practical nurses (LPNs), physical therapists (PTs), occupational therapists (OTs), or speech language pathologists (SLPs). A medical social worker (MSW) can help individuals and family members connect with community resources. Additionally, depending on the provider you choose, there may be other professionals who don’t come to your home on a regular basis, but can be instrumental in helping to manage your care.

Can I get respite care for a child?

Does Medicare cover respite care for caregivers?

Respite care is designed to give carers a break for a limited period of time. Someone else provides care so the carer can go on holiday, attend to everyday activities or just relax. Sometimes a carer might need emergency respite care if, for example, they get sick or need to go to hospital. At Shellacare we will be happy to assist you and get your questions answered.

End-of-life patients receiving hospice services are eligible for “respite care,” defined and covered by the Medicare hospice benefit. Hospice respite care allows a family caregiver to get a break from caregiving duties while the patient is cared for in a Medicare-certified inpatient facility.