Don’t Go It Alone: 9 Ways Respite Care Can Support You and Your Senior Family Member
While being a family caregiver for a loved one can be very rewarding, it’s also not usual to feel isolated and like everything is on your shoulders which can lead to burnout. That’s why it’s import for you to take care of yourself. That’s why, if you’ve started to feel overwhelmed with all your responsibilities, you might want to consider respite care.
Respite care allows caregivers to take a much-needed break so they can relax, recharge and tend to other important matters. If the thought of using a respite stay for your family member makes you feel guilty, you should know that respite care offers several benefits for the both of you. Besides, taking time off is vital to your health and well-being. No one works around the clock, day after day, without ever having some time to themselves
The Benefits of Respite Care for Your Family Member
Respite care can provide elements that are important to your loved one’s enjoyment of life including:
- Making new friends: Being around people of a similar age and background gives your loved one a chance to expand their social circle.
- Trying different activities: Respite care is set up with an ever changing calendar of classes and events. Being welcomed into a community presents new possibilities to do more group activities.
Benefits of Respite Care for You
- Recharge: Respite care provides a reliable, trustworthy caregiving resource, so you can take time for yourself.
- Peace of mind: By placing your loved one with qualified care providers, you’ll know their needs are being met.
- Socializing: Respite care allows you to spend time reconnecting with friends and family members to nurture other important relationships.
- Be yourself: Despite the 24/7 demands of caregiving, it’s crucial for you to maintain your sense of self by doing things that interest you.
When to Consider Respite Care
Even if your loved one has a good support network of caregivers, there are times when a respite stay could help you both:
- Post-hospital return: It can also give you the opportunity to prepare for your loved one’s return home by lining up healthcare services or stocking up on groceries.
- Short-term rehabilitation: Respite care provides a safe setting for seniors recuperating after a hip or knee replacement, without the hazards and temptations of your loved one trying to do too much.
- Birth of a child (or grandchild): Respite care can allow you to give you complete focus to new a arrival, while also allowing you to prepare to introduce the new baby to your loved one.
- Planning a wedding or family reunion: There can be a lot of moving parts to any large family gathering, choosing respite care can allow you the freedom to plan or help out.
- Unplanned emergency: Knowing your loved one has a caring and engaging place to be during an emergency can make a world of difference to them and your entire family.
- Remodeling or moving: Having work done on your house or moving can be stressful for everyone. Respite care can provide your family member with a restful retreat.
- Vacation or out of town travel: If your loved one can’t travel long distances, respite care can be an engaging option.
- Test drive: If you’re considering a community like Freedom Village of Bradenton, respite care provides a way to evaluate a senior living community and see how your loved one feels about it.
- A break for caregivers: If your loved one needs round-the-clock assistance, but you need time away to work or simply to recharge your batteries, respite care provides a safe and supportive option.
Find the Support Your Family Needs at Freedom Village
Our award-winning community offers a full continuum of care including respite care. To learn more about our respite care services, contact us here.
