Caring for a senior parent can be a great experience, but it can also be very challenging. During the difficult times, you may need temporary relief, such as respite care. Continue reading to learn what in-home respite care is and how your family can benefit from the service while caring for an aging loved one.
What Respite Care Is
Respite is a word that refers to taking breaks from challenges. In this instance, in-home respite care applies to temporary relief from the caregiver role, including the duties that come with it. In most cases, respite care provides the support family caregivers need and may not be able to receive from their family members and close friends. Respite care agencies are available throughout the world, and many have caregivers on staff who specialize in age-related conditions such as dementia and osteoporosis.
How It Works
A caregiver can come into your home based on your loved one’s needs, which could be for one or two hours a day, a couple of days each week, a few nights during the month, or weeks at a time. Your family is only responsible for covering the cost of the services your loved one uses instead of paying for time and assistance he or she doesn’t require. With in-home respite care, your loved one can stay at home and receive care instead of going to a senior care center while you’re away at work, running errands, or taking a much-needed vacation.
Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Arlington families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
A Myth about Respite Care
Your parent can take advantage of respite care services even if he or she lives independently and hasn’t been diagnosed with any illnesses or age-related health conditions. Perhaps your loved one is still working part-time or volunteering with a local nonprofit organization and needs someone to come in and help out with household chores. Respite care offers a variety of services to seniors and their family members, enhancing aging adults’ daily lives and health.
When researching agencies that provide senior 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.
Companionship for Seniors
Many seniors lack social interaction as they age, increasing their risk of boredom, loneliness, and, eventually, depression. However, a respite caregiver can come into the home to provide your loved one with the companionship he or she craves. Your parent can do fun activities with the caregiver and receive transportation to community events that provide opportunities to socialize. Having companionship can enhance mood and strengthen cognitive abilities.
Enhanced Self-Care for Caregivers
You might become so consumed with your loved one’s health that you forget to take care of your own physical, mental, and emotional needs. Receiving extra help around the home for a few days allows you to visit the doctor, take a vacation, go on social outings with people your age, or catch up on rest. You could also attend family caregiver support groups and receive advice and tips to ease your mind as well as your caregiver load. Self-care can prevent mental and physical exhaustion, which are the top causes of caregiver burnout.
The type of home care Arlington seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and live-in care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. Call us today to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion.
