Caring for an older loved one presents plenty of wonderful opportunities to bond and share memorable moments together. However, being a caregiver can be physically and mentally exhausting as well, and if you’re not at your best, your loved one won’t be receiving the level of care he or she needs and deserves. Here are five reasons regular breaks with in-home respite care can be beneficial for seniors and their families.
1. Everyone Involved Benefits
Family caregivers who are tired and irritable may find their senior loved ones react the same way. This added tension could cause difficulties with taking medications, eating meals, and other parts of a senior’s daily routine. In-home respite care gives family caregivers a chance to refresh and recharge. At the same time, seniors benefit from:
• Still receiving first-rate care from attentive, well-trained caregivers
• Being around family caregivers who are mentally and physically focused and able to provide high-quality care
• Being able to retain their independence without the need to be shifted from one family member’s home to another
Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. When they need respite care, Montgomery families can rely on professional caregivers to help their senior loved ones remain safe at home.
2. Separation Can Be Healthy
No matter how well seniors normally get along with their family caregivers, being around one another almost all the time can increase friction and create conflicts. Being apart now and then gives both seniors and family caregivers some healthy space. Ultimately, this separation can strengthen the relationship between a senior and his or her family caregiver.
3. Many Types of Care Are Available
Most home care agencies have staff trained to provide different types of care. Whether temporary care is needed by a senior just getting out of the hospital and recovering or by an older adult with dementia, the right type of respite caregiver will be involved with the care that’s provided. Having access to specialized care also boosts quality of life for seniors when family caregivers need breaks.
When researching agencies that provide elderly 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 Home Care Assistance.
4. Feedback Is Given and Encouraged
In-home respite care is a collaborative effort. Seniors have a say in how care is provided and the type of care they receive. Family caregivers benefit by getting regular updates on how their loved ones are doing when they’re not able to provide care themselves. All this feedback is used to fine-tune care arrangements based on what’s best for seniors receiving this type of care.
5. It’s Cost-Efficient
Seniors often live on fixed incomes. Even with insurance, around-the-clock professional care may be too expensive. Senior daycare programs sometimes cost a bit too much for those with financial limitations. However, in-home respite care can be provided when it’s needed. For instance, temporary care can be requested:
• During certain hours of the day only
• For a brief time when seniors require extra care due to an illness or injury
• When family caregivers will be out of town or away on vacation
With arrangements of this nature, seniors only pay for the care they need. There are also no long-term contracts to commit to, which makes in-home respite care even more cost-efficient.
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 Montgomery elder 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. Home Care Assistance is here to help. Call us at (334) 593-3988 today to talk to one of our compassionate Care Managers about our high-quality respite home care services.