RESPITE CARE ISN’T a term we hear as often as “retirement community” or “senior living.” Caregivers of loved ones often start their new role full of energy and ready to do whatever they can. However, caregiving is a 24/7 job, and over time the physical and emotional load of caregiving can lead to fatigue and caregiver burnout.
Although it’s important for caregivers to practice self-care, it’s often difficult for them to take time off because their loved one needs help, so they feel guilty or simply don’t have options for making sure they are taken care of. Let’s dive into what respite care is and how to know if it would benefit you in your situation.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is a professional care service provided to your loved one on a short-term basis, allowing you to have a break, rest, recharge, or attend to other duties. It frees you up to take care of yourself and recharge without having to worry about your loved one.
Sometimes all you need is a little extra time to do other things like shopping or household chores. Respite care can fill in for a few hours a day or even more. You may need a bit of time away to de-stress, take a short vacation, or spend quality time with your children, family, and friends.
Respite care is flexible and designed to fill in the gaps for caregivers who want to continue taking the primary role in looking after a parent or grandparent, or where some kind of full-time retirement community option isn’t possible. For example, respite care can range from part of a day to several days or weeks. It can be provided in several different settings, such as adult day centers, in-home services, assisted living communities, or skilled nursing facilities.
If a caregiver has to work during the day or run errands for a few hours, it helps not to worry about whether their loved one is safe. They are in skilled and trustworthy hands in a respite care facility such as Terra Pointe in Glendale, and they’ll even have opportunities to socialize with their peers and enjoy activities that you might not be able to provide at home.
Benefits of Respite Care Services
Respite care provides a range of benefits for you and your elderly parent or grandparent, including:
- Time to rest and recharge. Respite care provides a reliable, caregiving resource that knows how to handle your loved one’s needs, giving you a much-needed break. It is an opportunity for caregivers to have time to themselves and maintain their sense of identity outside the caregiving role.
- Peace of mind and reduced tension. An older adult who has previously been socially active and suddenly becomes house-bound can quickly become irritable or upset with one family member as a caregiver. No amount of loving care can fully replace the independence they once enjoyed, so it can still be a hard adjustment for them. Tensions can mount, making a frustrating situation for everyone involved.
- Domestic help. Caregivers help with simple household chores that older adults may not be able to take on. A caregiver may wash clothing, prepare meals, go grocery shopping, and wash dishes.
- Social interaction. Being with a new person is like having a quick change of scenery. The respite care professional adds valuable social interaction to your loved one’s routine.
- Testing out senior living environments. Respite care provides a way to check out the community and comfort level in a new environment. When the time comes to decide to move your loved one to another care setting, both of you will be more informed.
Who Needs Respite Care?
Someone who has an ailment or handicap may require home care around the clock. Caretakers always need time to rest and decompress, take a vacation, get the shopping done, go to appointments, or just get out and exercise. You may utilize respite care if you’re caring for a person who has a condition like:
- Cancer
- A brain injury
- Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
- A stroke
- Blindness
Terra Pointe Can Help You Avoid Caregiver Burnout
The role of a family caregiver is challenging. Caregivers need to take the time they need for personal care before they land in a desperate situation. Caregiver burnout is real, and long-term stress leads to physical and emotional illness.
Respite programs like ours at Terra Pointe make it possible for caregivers to manage responsibilities while taking care to nurture their physical and emotional health so they can be more present to look after their needs and the needs of their loved ones. You can learn more about what we offer from our business site.