At its simplest, respite care is about you taking a break from caregiving. That break might be for hours or for days, but while you’re gone, it’s important that your senior still has the care that she needs. Knowing that respite care is an option can be helpful for both of you.
Family Caregivers Need Rest
Being a family caregiver is both emotionally and physically exhausting. When family caregivers don’t allow themselves down time to rest as much as they need, it causes big problems later. By taking time for yourself, you remind yourself what your needs are and that you have to take care of yourself even while you take care of others. It makes caregiving much easier for you.
Respite Offers Socialization Opportunities for You and Your Senior
There are many different ways that respite allows you and your senior to be more social. For starters, as you interact with senior care providers, that opens up your horizons as well as your senior’s. Then, both of you are able to have other interactions as well. Socialization, both for family caregivers and for aging adults, is incredibly important for mental and physical health.
In-home Care Offers Variety for Your Senior
You want the best for your family member, and you do all that you can. But if you’re not as experienced in caring for her needs as you want to be you may sometimes feel as if the care that you offer falls short. In-home care providers have that experience assisting aging family members and they can help you to understand your senior’s needs more effectively. That variety in care enables your senior to feel secure and heard.
Respite Can Extend Your Ability to Be a Family Caregiver
It’s difficult to realize this, but if you allow yourself to be overwhelmed as a family caregiver, that actually shortens your ability to keep helping your senior. By learning and growing as a family caregiver and taking time away when you need to, you’re extending that timeframe longer than you realize. This allows your elderly family member to have the time and the space that she needs during this stage of her life.
Caregiving is complicated, to be sure. But respite care can help to simplify so many of the situations that are a big challenge for you and your family. Being able to lean on experienced help is a crucial part of being the best caregiver that you can be.