Aging adults do best when they’re surrounded by multiple people who can provide them with assistance. While you may be your senior loved one’s main caregiver, you need to remember you cannot do everything by yourself. In fact, arranging for respite care gives you a break while also allowing your loved one to benefit from knowing someone else can also help with his or her daily routine.
Signs You Need Respite Care
Caregiver burnout has a funny way of creeping up slowly until you realize you’ve been hit with a major case of stress. You can arrange for respite care at any time, but it’s most effective when you get help early.
You need respite care if you find yourself feeling like you’re constantly on edge. You may experience physical signs of stress, such as exhaustion or unexplained muscle pain. Your temper may also be shorter than normal, and you may not feel any enjoyment when you spend time with your loved one.
Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Huntsville families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
How to Arrange for Respite Care
Arranging for respite care is simple when you work with a home care agency. Although you could try to find someone yourself, agencies employ caregivers who have been thoroughly screened with background checks, interviews, and training assessments, which makes it easier to narrow down your caregiver options to someone you trust and who fits your loved one’s needs. For instance, you can choose to hire a respite caregiver who has experience helping people with Alzheimer’s if you worry about your loved one wandering off.
When researching agencies that provide at-home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance.
What to Do during Your Break
The possibilities for what you do during a break from caregiving are endless. Many caregivers use this time to handle their physical or mental needs. You can join a support group that helps you be a better caregiver to your loved one. You can also take an hour or two once a week to catch up with an old friend.
Many caregivers also juggle raising children and work responsibilities. Respite care can be used to do things such as attending your child’s school play. You can also utilize your respite care time to take a nap, go to the gym, finally catch up on your housework, or accomplish routine tasks for yourself, such as running to the grocery store or getting a medical checkup. When you feel like you’ve had rest and time to manage your responsibilities, your loved one may pick up on your positive mood and feel better about you helping out.
Benefits of Respite Care for Aging Adults
Respite care can enhance your family relationships by helping you feel more relaxed while you’re on duty. Your loved one also benefits from getting to talk to new people occasionally. The respite caregiver arrives ready to keep your loved one safe and entertained with enjoyable activities. Having someone else encourage them to take a walk or do a puzzle can be motivating for seniors, and your loved one can thrive with this additional social support.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Huntsville home care service provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Schedule a free in-home consultation by giving us a call today at (256) 716-9940.