Respite Care for Seniors: What It’s All About

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Respite care is one of the most important services you should know about as a caregiver. You may have heard about this type of care from other caregivers, or you may be searching for a way to take a break. Either way, understanding what this type of care option entails allows you to take advantage of an opportunity to bring even more joy to your role as a caregiver. 

Signs You Need a Break

Right now, you may be thinking joy is one of the last emotions you feel as you go about your day. Caregiving is sometimes a thankless role that requires far more hard work and sacrifice than people think. You may feel as if you’re on the verge of losing your happiness as a caregiver if something doesn’t change. 

Losing your sense of joy in life is one sign you need to seek professional assistance so you can take a break. You may also be facing your own health challenges or have difficulty keeping up with your responsibilities. General fatigue and a lack of interest in your favorite activities are additional signs you need a break. 

When researching agencies that provide elder 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.

Things to Do when You Have Respite Care Available

There’s no rule about what you have to do when your senior loved one is spending time with a respite caregiver. For some family caregivers, it’s enough to just step out for an hour or two to do something on their own. You could visit the library, take a nap, or go for a walk. 

Anything that makes you feel better is going to give you the benefits of arranging for respite care. You can also use this time to take care of work or other family-related tasks. Many caregivers go to the doctor or dentist during their time off. 

Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Jefferson County families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.

How Respite Care Typically Works

Respite care is designed to fit your needs as well as those of your loved one. Some people start out arranging for respite care to help them manage their health, and they set up a time once a week for a caregiver to stop by for a few hours. Other people need respite caregivers to stay overnight when their loved ones’ health doesn’t let them get enough sleep. 

When you arrange for respite care, you can set up a schedule that fits into your loved one’s routine. You’ll also be given the opportunity to share what you want in a caregiver and make sure you and your loved one feel comfortable around the chosen professional. 

Benefits Your Loved One Can Enjoy from Respite Care

While it may seem as though respite care is all about giving you a break, there’s so much more that happens during your time away. Seniors need to know they’re surrounded with multiple forms of support. Your loved one may not say it, but it’s possible he or she worries about what could happen if you get sick and can’t help anymore. Knowing a respite caregiver can step in can provide peace of mind. Your loved one may also benefit from having someone special to talk to during your breaks, and your parent may even discover he or she has shared hobbies with the caregiver, which can add some excitement to their time together.

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 Jefferson County homecare 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. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (303) 987-5992 to learn more about our customized care plans.

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