There are many different types of senior care available today. Family caregivers often need a chance to step away from their duties, and leaving a senior loved one alone isn’t always a possibility. These seven defining components of respite care can help you understand what a difference it makes to arrange for professional assistance at your loved one’s home.
1. Giving Caregivers a Much-Needed Break
The primary purpose of respite care is to allow you to get a break from your responsibilities. You can choose to catch up on your other duties during this time, or you can jump at the chance to just relax. Either way, you’ll return to your role with a better perspective that shines through during your daily routine.
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. Fair Oaks 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.
2. Boosting Everyone’s Health
Excess stress is linked to a variety of illnesses. You need regular breaks to keep your immune system strong. Seniors also benefit from having family caregivers who are healthy and able to prevent stress-related burnout.
3. Enhancing Family Bonds
Respite care often serves as an answer to family scheduling conflicts. When you and the other family caregivers on your team all have something to do at the same time, a simple call for respite care solves the problem. You’ll also feel closer to your family when you’re no longer feeling alone in shouldering the burden of your loved one’s care.
4. Alleviating Anxiety in Seniors and Their Caregivers
Seniors often feel anxious when they’re left at home alone, and you may not be able to enjoy your time away if you’re worried about your loved one getting hurt. Respite care can be for an hour or two, or you could have a caregiver stay all day. Knowing another responsible adult is nearby helps everyone feel better.
When researching agencies that provide home care service, 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.
5. Reducing the Chances of a Hospital Readmission
You might not have thought about respite care until your loved one came home from the hospital. Your loved one’s health is most vulnerable after a hospital discharge. Meanwhile, your responsibilities might have skyrocketed. Respite care provides professional caregivers who know how to do things such as prevent falls. Extra safety around the house means your loved one can enjoy a healthy recovery.
6. Sharing New Strategies for Senior Care
You’re not alone when it comes to being frustrated every time a new situation arises. Respite caregivers are trained to recognize when a senior’s care plan may need to be changed, and they can share some ideas that make life easier. You can ask the respite caregiver questions about how to handle situations such as helping your loved one eat independently.
7. Developing Caring Relationships with Others
One of the defining characteristics of respite care is the close relationships that develop between seniors and their professional caregivers. Your loved one may not have many chances for socialization when he or she is ill or bedbound. Spending time with a caregiver on a regular basis can prevent feelings of isolation as your loved one gains a new friend.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elderly home care. Fair Oaks families can turn to Home Care Assistance for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour live-in care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties. Trust Home Care Assistance to provide high-quality compassionate, professional care for your loved one. If your loved one needs help with the challenges of aging, call one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (916) 485-4663.