You Deserve A Break ! The Benefits of Respite Care…
The physical and emotional burdens a family caregiver may experience can be overwhelming. Caring for a loved one at home can be rewarding. However, no one is equipped to take it on their own. Caring for an Alzheimer’s or Dementia patient is known to be an every day stress.
60 percent of the family caregivers surveyed, ages 19-64, reported “fair or poor” health and one or more chronic conditions or disabilities, compared with only 33 percent of non-caregivers according to a study by Commonwealth Fund.
Respite care provides temporary relief for a primary caregiver, enabling family members to take a much-needed break from the demands of caregiving a sick, aging or disabled family member. Respite care provides a period of freedom from caregiving duties, while loved ones continue to receive the care they require in a safe, caring and professional environment.
Respite care benefits everyone. It allows the caregivers to visit friends, spend time alone and tend to personal needs. The senior benefits by spending time with someone new and participating in new activities. Time away from caregiving allows you to see more clearly and keep things in proper perspective.
Home respite care allows the senior to stay in a comfortable familiar surrounding. This is especially important for individuals with Alzheimer’s or another forms of dementia. Services include helping the senior with dressing, medications, activities such as cards, or just providing companionship.
It is important to remember, if family caregivers don’t take care of themselves, how will they be able to care an elderly loved one?