Family caregivers can enjoy time for self-care with respite care services.
Although profoundly rewarding and fulfilling, providing care for an aging loved one also encompasses a wide array of hurdles that can create serious health concerns for family caregivers. And though it’s common for family members to put their own needs on the back burner to place the emphasis completely on the needs of their loved one, it’s crucial for caregivers to understand that they can actually provide better care when they are well rested and in good health themselves.
Finding time for self-care can be a struggle as well. After all, your senior loved one depends on you, and you have figured out all of the little nuances that help each day run smoothly – how she likes her tea prepared, her hair brushed, the specifics of her afternoon routine. It’s much easier sometimes to just handle everything yourself than to entrust somebody else with it all. Yet realistically, we all need a little help periodically, and this is especially true for caregivers, who are susceptible to the increased stress that can contribute to caregiver burnout.
At Live Free Home Health Care, we hear from family members on a regular basis who are reluctant to accept help, but are in dire need of a trusted partner in care. If this describes you, take into consideration the benefits of professional respite care – both to yourself and to your senior loved one.
Respite Care Benefits for Caregivers
Professional respite caregivers, like those at Live Free Home Health Care, are fully trained and experienced in a broad range of senior care needs, including specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions. Our caregivers never come in and “take over,” but devote time to listen and become familiar with each senior in order to provide highly customized care to meet each person’s unique needs.
As a result, family members have the opportunity to de-stress and restore themselves with enjoyable pastimes and interests, exercise, time spent with friends, shopping and tending to their own needs, all while having the assurance that their senior loved one is receiving the very best of care.
Respite Care Benefits for Seniors
And the advantages aren’t just for the caregiver herself! Older adults gain the opportunity for elevated socialization as they spend time with a new companion with whom they can share life stories, engage in fun activities, play games, learn a new skill, go out shopping or to lunch – the options are limitless. Respite caregivers can also fix meals, help with housework and laundry, and assist with personal care needs like showering and getting dressed – tasks that are sometimes more comfortable for seniors when performed by a professional caregiver.
The older adult is given a twofold gift: a more relaxed family caregiver, and relief in knowing that the caregiver is taking care of herself – something that is important to many older adults who may grapple with feelings of guilt about their need for care.
To learn more about respite care in Belmont or the surrounding areas, contact us any time at 603-217-0149. We’re available for as much or as little respite care assistance as needed – both for your senior loved one, and yourself.