Anyone who has taken care of loved ones knows that taking care of an elderly loved one can be a challenge. As people age, their ability to care for themselves diminishes drastically. They often have trouble paying their bills, cooking their meals, and doing their laundry. Some elderly people can even develop dementia, making them mentally and physically incapable of performing their activities of daily living. When someone else has to step in and perform these tasks on top of taking care of themselves, they may become physically and emotionally drained.
For people who are having trouble taking care of their own family and a dependent loved one, there is an option for temporary relief called respite care.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care provides just that for people in need of a break. People who are emotionally or physically exhausted can rely on respite care to take care of a loved one when people need a break. There are many different types of respite care that people can choose from. Some people might need a regular respite care to take care of a dependent loved one for a few hours per week. This can provide people with an opportunity to run errands and get in a workout to try to relieve some of the stress. Other people might not need a few hours per week but instead are looking for a few weeks out of the year. This type of extended stay respite care is also an option. Respite care can meet different needs for different people. Caretakers simply need to look around and find the care that fits their needs.
How do I Select a Center?
Finding the proper location for respite care should involve the loved one as well as the caretaker. Even loved ones with dementia still want to feel like they have a say over what happens in their life. Feel free to take the loved one on a tour of a few different locations and allow them to voice their opinion. Remember that an elderly loved one is used to having care provided by a certain caretaker.
Switching up this routine can create a significant amount of emotional stress that could actually worsen dementia if someone has dementia. Involve the loved one in the decision.
What Happens Next?
When a caretaker drops off a loved one at a respite care center, it can often be overwhelming for the caretaker as they try to fit in everything that they need to do over the course of their respite. It can be helpful to make a calendar with all of the important errands that need to happen. While people’s minds will focus on trying to complete their to-do list, schedule time to relax as well. Respite care should provide an opportunity for a respite.
Leave a Reply