Caring for an aging parent is overwhelming at times. Even the most supportive and strongest of families struggle with it.
Especially when dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or another debilitating condition is a factor.
Dementia is a reality that more than 46 million families worldwide are facing right now. There are more individuals diagnosed with it each day. Caring for them is hard on the body and mind of even the most dedicated caregiver.
Caregiver burnout is a real concern when trying to provide 24/7 care for a loved one. It doesn’t matter how much you love them or how wonderful the care you give is, caregivers need care too.
That’s where respite care comes in. Keep reading to learn what respite care is and how it can benefit everyone involved.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is an important tool for caregivers that can be a lifeline for them and their loved one. It offers you a break from being solely responsible for the physical care of your loved one.
There are different forms of respite to help you take care of you and other aspects of life. It’s impossible to focus on everything when caring for a parent. They need your attention so other things can suffer.
Respite may be for a few hours each week so you can run errands or a few days so you can get some rest. You may need a week or two vacation with the family. Respite care is essential to the mental and physical health of the entire family.
What Does Respite Mean?
The definition of “respite” is a short period of time to rest or get relief from a difficult task.
When caring for an aging parent, this can be essential. It’s not easy to be a caregiver — it’s a huge responsibility no matter how dedicated and loving you are.
It’s vital for your own mental and physical health that you recharge and rest. It’s hard taking care of a loved one day in and day out.
Almost a quarter of American families are providing care for an aging parent. Three-quarters are the primary caregiver providing unpaid care every day.
More than half of caregivers taking on this role deal with depression and anxiety. They try to juggle the responsibilities they face each day forgetting about themselves.
Why Is Respite Care So Important?
Life is stressful even when you’re not a full-time caregiver for an ailing parent. The stresses of life don’t stop just because a loved one needs your attention.
There are bills, children, bosses, spouses and all the other responsibilities in life. Each in need of your time and energy as well.
It can be overwhelming and draining to even think about. All these things and people come before your own needs. Many don’t realize how detrimental it will be for everyone if they don’t make their own health a priority too.
Respite care can give you one of the greatest gifts you need — it gives you some time. Time to concentrate on the other people and things you need to take care of. Time to take care of your self.
Some people feel like it’s selfish if they leave for a vacation when mom or dad is dependent on them. They couldn’t be more wrong. In fact, respite care can be one of the best things you can do for everyone involved.
It helps you find the emotional and physical strength to provide the best care possible. It allows you to take care of yourself so you are able to better take care of others.
How Does Respite Care Work?
A qualified healthcare worker provides care in your own home or at a facility such as a long-term care home.
Many Families Use Respite Care Each Week
This type of respite care can make all the difference in the lives of the caregiver and the one needing care. It allows a few hours for the caregiver to leave the house and the responsibilities there behind.
Some use it to run errands, others go to a spa or head out to lunch just so they can have a few hours to socialize.
If you’re a caregiver, no one needs to tell you how lonely and isolating it can be. Respite care relieves some of this isolation. It allows you to come back feeling refreshed and re-energized.
It can help the other relationships in your life. It gives you a few hours to focus on your significant other or your children.
Or it gives you time to focus on your own health. You can avoid falling into the depression that consumes so many caregivers.
A Good Night’s Sleep
One of the most taxing parts of being a primary caregiver is the lack of sleep. It’s hard to rest when you’re always listening for when your loved one needs you.
Many parents with dementia will experience sundowning. This causes them to be restless and agitated at night. This can lead to extended periods of time when the caregiver can’t sleep either.
Respite care gives you the opportunity to get a good night’s sleep. You can rest up so you can endure the demands of caring for your loved one in the days to come.
A Helping Hand
Respite care can provide a much needed helping hand. Household chores can be overwhelming and pile up. Especially when you are trying to take care of everything yourself.
A helping hand with dishes, housework, or providing care to your loved one can make life easier and ease some of your day-to-day stresses.
It can often be easier for a trained healthcare provider to coax someone with dementia. They may be able to get them into the shower or to eat a good meal easier than a loved one who battles it every day.
Respite Care Can Be a Saving Grace
When someone needs care in the hospital or a long-term care facility, there is a whole staff there to provide it. The team works their hours and then go home.
When you’re caring for a loved one at home, it’s 24/7 and that’s a recipe for disaster if you don’t get some help.
Respite care can help you and your loved one by making it easier for them to stay at home. You stay strong enough to give them the loving care you want to provide
For more information on respite care or other support, please contact us today.
Respite Care
