Most caregivers enter their role full of vitality and spark. They are ready to take on their new responsibilities, to provide for their loved ones in whatever way they can. However, caregiving is an emotionally and physically demanding task. Some caregivers suffer from burnout and are not able to fulfill their responsibilities as well as they did before. It could lead to a devastating spiral, resulting in a bad experience for all parties. Respite care is a potential solution to these concerns. Let us explore what respite care is and see if you need it.
Respite Care As a Service
In short, respite care is a short-term care service given to your loved one, which will allow you or a caregiver to take a break from your duties. In your place, a professional caregiver and in some cases a medical professional, will look after your loved one and ensure all is well. There is no minimum or set time to respite care. It can last as long as you want it to. In this time, you could go on vacation, or spend time with the rest of the family.
The Benefits of Respite Care
Already mentioned in brief, respite will give you some time off, add more flexibility into your schedule, and really allow some time for renewal or refreshment. After the duration of respite care, a caregiver can return to their loved one with a fresh perspective, body, and mind. They can then dedicate themselves once again to caregiving, this time with more energy and attention.
Respite care benefits not just the caregiver, but the person receiving the care as well. Your loved one will enjoy special professional services from outside caregivers that you might not have been able to provide. Some respite care programs offer memory care services for those with Alzheimer’s. Your loved one will be able to socialize with new people at home, and in the case of a built-up of tension at home, having a new face in the household can help ease things up.
How Do You Know If You Need Respite Care?
If you have read up to this point, you probably already know if you need to apply for respite care. It could be that you realize your loved one’s needs are growing, and you might not be able to handle it all, or your own health and wellbeing have been affected as a result of caregiving.
Caregiver burnout is a common sight in today’s America. There is no shame in admitting it, sometimes all a caregiver needs is a guilt-free short break and assured in the promise that with respite care, your loved one is in good hands while you take some much-needed R&R.
At Rittenhouse Village At Michigan City, we also run a SHINE® Memory Care program for residents with dementia. Contact us or schedule a tour of our senior living community to learn more!
