PLOWS Offers Respite Service For Family Caregivers

PALOS HEIGHTS, IL -- Family caregivers needing a break from caring for a senior family member should contact the PLOWS Council on Aging. PLOWS can help family caregivers by providing respite service. Trained homemakers provide a break in caring for loved ones who depend on others for everyday needs.

Respite caregivers are given specific instructions on their duties and can provide supervision, companionship, meal preparation, and some personal care. No medical care can be provided and no medication can be administered. There is a three-hour minimum per respite request. Respite homemakers come to the senior’s residence, but it may be possible to have respite care in an adult day service or long-term care facility.

The respite service is federally funded under the Older Americans Act. A contribution is suggested to help defer the cost not covered by government funding, but service will not be denied due to an inability to contribute to the program. The National Alliance for Caregiving reports 29 percent of the U.S. population - or 65 million people - provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year and spend an average of 20 hours per week providing care for their loved one.

PLOWS’ respite service creates some free time for caregivers by providing temporary care for a family member. The service is for family members who care for older loved ones over 60 years old, who depend on the caregiver for their everyday needs. Respite offers caregivers the occasional reprieve.

For more information contact PLOWS at 708-361-0219. Any Illinois caregiver living outside PLOWS area should call the Illinois Senior Help Line, 1-800-252-8966, to receive respite and other services through their local agency. PLOWS serves suburban Cook County towns in Palos, Lemont, Orland and Worth Townships.