Respite care offers services that help family caregivers take a break. While you may know you need to take time away from your duties, it may be difficult to find someone else to step in. Your family, friends, and neighbors may all be busy trying to manage their own responsibilities, which can leave you without help when you feel overstressed. Fortunately, respite care offers you a way to get help without having to burden others with trying to work it into their schedules, and you’ll quickly discover these benefits that make this type of care so important for family caregivers.
Avoid Having to Leave Your Loved One Alone
After calling friends and family members, you may discover no one can drop by and take care of your loved one while you go to the doctor or complete another essential activity. Caregivers in this position may be tempted to leave their loved ones home alone when it’s not safe to do so. With respite care, you never have to risk leaving your loved one without assistance, since you can arrange for a professional to come by anytime you need the extra help.
A trained professional caregiver can be an extremely valuable member of your caregiving team. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to address if their families opt for professional senior home care. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Preserve Family Relationships
Siblings often experience conflicts regarding senior care. You may also find your relationship with your loved one becomes strained if you begin to feel resentful of your role. A professional caregiver serves as a buffer. You’ll never have to argue with your siblings or make them feel guilty for being busy when you have a caregiver to call. You’ll also find your relationship with your loved one stays stronger when you both get a break from each other.
Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated senior care, Reston, VA, families can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. Our caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Keep Your Loved One Busy
You may also find that respite care gives your loved one something to look forward to. When you’re stuck in a rut with a routine, your loved one may begin to feel frustrated or exhibit signs of depression. For a senior who doesn’t see many other people, being able to talk to someone new is refreshing. Respite caregivers often plan activities to do with seniors—such as reading books together or doing hobbies—while family caregivers take a break, allowing seniors to explore other facets of life that bring them greater joy.
Find Support when You Need It Most
There may be times when you feel like you can no longer go on in your position. Whether you haven’t had a break in weeks or have missed out on sleep, it’s important to address the symptoms of burnout before they get out of control. Respite caregivers can step in right away to begin helping you get the rest you need to continue with your duties. They’re also compassionate and understanding, which means you don’t have to feel guilty about your need to take a break.
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. Reston families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. 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. Call one of our dedicated Care Specialists today to learn about the high quality of our in-home care services.
