How Family Caregivers Can Benefit from Respite Care

Playing the role of a family caregiver can feel like a 24/7 duty. With few breaks and opportunities for relaxation, family caregivers often feel the pressure on their own health and wellness. A recent study revealed that 60 percent of caregivers suffered from ill health, compared to only 33 percent of adults who were not caregivers. Respite care provides family caregivers with the freedom to tend to their own needs while ensuring that their loved one is well taken care of.

What is Respite Care?
Respite care is a short-term stay at an Assisted Living facility designed to provide a safe comfortable stay for seniors, for a period of 30 days or less. This can provide family caregivers with an opportunity for a restful vacation. There are close to 50 million family caregivers in the U.S. They work long and unpaid hours while helping elderly family members with mobility problems or cognitive issues such as dementia. This is often done by family members while juggling their own job duties and have families to care for. Often, an entire family can feel the effects from this additional responsibility. In this scenario, it is easy for a family caregiver’s life to feel like it’s spinning out of control.

Benefits of Respite Care
Placing a senior in Respite care (a short term stay) provides family caregivers with time to visit friends and family, go to the gym, shop, and recharge their batteries. Respite care is provided for in the same Assisted Living communities where residents often live long term. Having trained and monitored staff ensures that family caregivers can rest knowing that their family member is getting the appropriate level of care and attention. Families often find that Respite care provides seniors with a much needed opportunity to socialize.

What Happens at Respite Care?
Placing a loved one in an Assisted Living community for respite care ensures that all needs are met by trained professionals:
1. Rooms or apartments have regular and emergency housekeeping service.
2. There are three healthy meals a day along with snacks.
3. Most communities have a gym or some type of fitness program. This can encourage seniors to be more physically active than he or she would be at home.
4. Communities are available that have specific care designed for seniors with Alzheimer’s or Dementia.
5. Most communities have supervised outings to social and shopping events.
6. A Respite care stay allows for interaction and socializing, which is crucial for mental health.
7. Medication management during a Respite stay will be handled by trained medical staff, ensuring medications are taken when needed.
8. Respite stays are also an excellent option for those who are recovering from surgery.

We can find the perfect location for you to make a safe and full recuperation! Conclusion As family members age, they may require more care and assistance with daily living. Family caregivers are a blessing. Respite care is a short term stay of 30 days or less at an Assisted Living community and can be the perfect option for everyone to recharge their batteries. Give us a call today to find Respite care in your area, an advisor is available at no cost to you!

Give us a call today at (858)774-8528.