Respite is a necessity for every family caregiver. Caregiving is mentally, emotionally, and physically stressful, and this is especially true for individuals who care for aging family members. Family caregivers don’t often take the time to care for themselves, which increases their risk of illness, depression, and anxiety and may diminish the quality of care they’re able to give to their loved ones. Here’s why respite is important and how you can help a friend or family member who has taken on the role of caregiver.
Why Respite Is Important
Respite reduces the risk of caregiver burnout and depression. For family caregivers, respite can give them time to decompress, relax, and take care of things that have been put aside while caring for their loved ones. Caregivers selflessly devote a huge portion of their time to caring for their loved ones, and not taking a break can negatively impact the care being provided. Overworked and overwhelmed caregivers are at higher risk for forgetting important medical appointments, or they may be unable to provide their loved ones with the personalized attention needed for maximum safety.
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. Reston families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation.
How Family Members Can Help Overwhelmed Caregivers
Family members can help by making it possible for the caregiver to take time away from his or her caregiving responsibilities. This can be done by agreeing upon a set amount of time for the caregiver to take a break (whether it’s hours, days, or weeks) while another family member takes over the caregiving duties. This is especially beneficial during the holidays, when stress and anxiety are at all-time highs and caregivers may be feeling unappreciated and overworked.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Reston home care provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help.
How a Professional Caregiver Can Provide Much-Needed Respite
If other family members are unable to take turns providing care and companionship for the senior, have a professional caregiver provide respite for the family caregiver. Professional caregivers can help with a wide variety of responsibilities, from grocery shopping and cooking to bathing and medication reminders.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of support for family members caring for aging loved ones. When researching agencies that provide homecare, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care. If your loved one needs assistance with the challenges of aging, reach out to one of our knowledgeable, compassionate Care Specialists today at (703) 783-5758.
