Assuming the responsibility of care for a family member may be the utmost expression of love and loyalty that one human can show to another. It doesn’t matter if care is provided around the clock or part-time, providing in-home care has the ability to be completely overwhelming. That is why, irrespective of the value of caring for an aging parent, it is necessary for the caregiver to supply themselves with a little of the same attention that they give mom or dad.
Rested Caregivers-Better Care
Caregivers who are not highly stressed or overly tired provide a better standard of care and enjoy a healthier mindset. They are able to focus on the blessing of having their aging parent with them in-home as opposed to a full-time facility. They find satisfaction in providing good, quality care that no one else could provide in quite the same loving manner. In-home care seems like one of the most worthwhile occupations when the caregiver is healthy, relaxed and at peace.
Respite Care is Just the Ticket
However, keeping that state of mind is a difficult balancing act when the caregiver does not take sufficient time for themselves. That is why it is so essential for caregivers to take weekend or even week long breaks where the focus is on them. Maybe the getaway is a cruise to Greece or a weekend at a local bed and breakfast. The location does not matter. What does matter is that the caregiver gets time to rest, relax and let go of some responsibilities for a while. Doing so makes them a superior caregiver and greatly helps the care receiver.
Reluctant to Try In-Home Care?
Taking respite sounds great, but many caregivers are hesitant to do so. Quite possibly they don’t feel that family members and friends will be able to care for their loved one adequately, or they are afraid to impose what they feel are their responsibilities onto someone else’s shoulders. In-home respite care is the clear, common sense solution in these situations. Highly trained, well qualified in-home care professionals employed by in-home care agencies provide specialized services within private homes. Many are experienced at working with people of various abilities and with wide ranging illnesses, making them qualified to assist even with the most complicated conditions of care receivers. Home care has the advantage of allowing the elder to remain in-home in their familiar environment.
What About Assisted Living?
Another option for respite care is found at assisted living facilities where care receivers may take up residence for a brief, pre-determined period of time. Care receivers may benefit from increased activity and social interaction. It’s also reassuring to know that the older parent is living in a facility that gives round the clock medical care and has access to emergency services.
Happy Caregivers are Better Caregivers
Taking a break from providing in-home care for mom or dad is not a selfish act, nor is it one that should induce guilt. Instead, a break is an act of love for the self and for the care receiver. With a little quality time for themselves, those who provide in-home care are prepared to give the best possible love and attention to their aging parents.