Respite care is an option that often comes up once people are already providing care to a senior loved one at home. Although it’s often viewed as being optional, having a professional respite caregiver help with your loved one’s care is more vital than you might think. Now that your loved one has chosen to age in place, make sure to remember these six benefits of choosing respite care to round out your plans.
1. Enhance Family Relationships
Every family has unique dynamics that are affected once caregiving begins. For instance, you may find yourself arguing with a sibling about whose turn it is to provide your loved one with care. You may also have difficulty making decisions together about essential parts of your loved one’s daily routine. Respite care gives everyone a chance to step away, and you’ll always have someone available to manage any scheduling conflicts.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality home care, Amarillo Heroes Home Care can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
2. Fill in Gaps in Care
Your loved one may need care during times when none of your family can be there, which may occur during special holidays or events that require traveling or spending time away from home. Respite caregivers are always ready to step in and manage things until your family can be there again.
3. Learn New Tips to Promote Independence
Professional caregivers are trained on how to help seniors stay as independent as possible, and your loved one’s caregiver is a tremendous resource. Whether you need ideas to help your loved one get dressed independently or take medication on time, a respite caregiver is a great person to ask these important questions.
4. Keep Up with Your Other Obligations
Respite care isn’t always just about taking a break. Sometimes, you and your family members need to handle other responsibilities. For instance, you may have a looming deadline at work that’s stressing you out, or your kids may have a school event they need to attend. You may even just need a few hours free to catch up on your laundry. Hiring a respite caregiver makes it possible to get these things done so you aren’t fretting over them all day.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Amarillo families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
5. Provide Opportunities to Relax
Self-care is important for caregivers, and you need to know you have time carved out for relaxation every week. Being able to do things such as read a book or take a class can help you remember you’re more than just a caregiver. You’re someone who has value and deserves to enjoy a few relaxing moments in life.
6. Eliminate Negative Emotions
Whether you need to run a few errands or just take a time out, you may be tempted to leave your loved one alone, which may lead you to feel guilty, and your loved one may feel lonely. You may also have conflicts with family members who don’t understand this decision. With respite care, no one has to feel bad. Instead, your loved one can enjoy spending time with someone new, and you’ll feel comfortable doing what you need to do when he or she is in competent hands.
If your senior loved one needs professional in-home care in Amarillo, Heroes Home Care is here to help. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. To schedule a free-in home consultation, please call one of our qualified Care Managers today at (806) 803-9991.