5 Benefits Respite Care Offers Your Aging Parent

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Your senior parent has taken care of you your whole life. Now it’s your turn to give your parent the extra care he or she needs. However, in between work and family demands, you might not have enough time or energy to do it all. Respite care can be beneficial for both you and your parent. It allows you to spend time away from your caregiving duties, and it offers several benefits for your loved one as well. 

 

1. Builds Healthy Relationships Outside the Family

Caregivers aren’t the only ones who need to live balanced lives. In fact, spending time with people other than family members is both emotionally and mentally beneficial for seniors. When aging adults fail to interact with others, it often leads to social withdrawal and boredom. Spending time with respite caregivers allows seniors to forge healthy relationships outside their families. 

 

2. Provides New Experiences

Many family caregivers create strict schedules and follow routines closely. However, respite caregivers can provide seniors with new experiences. A respite caregiver may be more open to going to a restaurant or another interesting place in the community. Respite care can offer older adults greater opportunities to enjoy what the world has to offer, giving them more freedom than they might have with family caregivers. 

When researching agencies that provide senior home care, 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.

 

3. Helps with Routine Tasks

Trying to accomplish daily activities may not be as easy as it once was for your parent. And in some cases, you and other family members may not always be around to help. A respite caregiver can give your parent the help he or she needs, which prevents stress, exhaustion, and overexertion. Furthermore, knowing there’s someone he or she can depend on may boost your parent’s confidence. 

A trained professional caregiver can be an extremely valuable member of your caregiving team. If your senior loved one needs help managing an illness or assistance with daily tasks, make sure you choose a top-rated provider of home care. Arlington Assisting Hands Home Care is here to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life in the golden years. 

 

4. Offers Flexibility

If your parent needs someone to come over for a few hours a week but doesn’t require daily care, he or she can opt for respite care instead. This way, your loved one can still receive proper care without having to pay for unnecessary services. Respite caregivers have flexible schedules and are more affordable than many other senior care options. 

 

5. Increases Independence

Being able to maintain independence is crucial for physical, mental, and emotional health. Hiring respite caregivers to come in every few days allows seniors a chance to find themselves and focus on things they enjoy doing. Respite care also allows seniors to maintain their sense of identity, which can renew their vigor and enhance relationships with their families. 

Living independently is important for seniors who want to maintain a high quality of life. For some, this simply means receiving help with tasks that have become more challenging to manage over time. Even when families have the best intentions, they may not have the time to provide the care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. If your loved one needs help for a few hours a day or a few days a week, reach out to Assisting Hands Home Care, a trusted provider of respite care Arlington seniors can depend on. To learn about our premier in-home care plans and how they can help your loved one, give us a call today.