You need to check out every option before you make decisions about your senior loved one’s care. While you may have heard many wonderful things about respite care, you might also be concerned there are at least a few drawbacks. Here are a few of the most common concerns people have when they arrange for respite care along with explanations of how the service is actually quite beneficial in the long run.
Having a Stranger in Your Loved One’s Home
You may be apprehensive about what could happen if a stranger takes over your loved one’s care. After all, home is the main place where you want your loved one to be safe, and it can feel strange having someone step in and do things such as cook a meal in the kitchen. The good news is you can set those worries aside. Respite caregivers are trained to be respectful of a senior’s personal space. Choosing a caregiver through an agency also means you can be confident the caregiver has undergone a background check and a rigorous screening process.Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated in-home care, you can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Feeling Concerned about a Loss of Independence
No one wants to feel dependent upon someone else. Whether you worry that a caregiver will take over everything or your loved one fears loss of independence, this is another concern you can let go of. Respite care simply gives you a break and your loved one a little extra help during your time away. The caregiver is only there to step in when needed to provide compassionate assistance, keeping your loved one safe and comfortable and preventing accidents and injuries. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care service. Des Moines families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place.
Worrying about Continuity of Care
You may also worry about coming back from your break only to find everything has been done differently. Once again, this is one of those areas respite caregivers are already trained to manage. When you arrange for respite care, you get the chance to share details about your loved one’s needs, personality, and daily routine. When you come back, it should feel like you never left, other than the feeling of relaxation you enjoy from having had some time away.
Learning to Manage Changing Relationships
Some family caregivers also worry they won’t be as close to their loved ones when someone else is providing care. Most people find this doesn’t happen. Instead, you could see your relationship with your loved one flourish once you’re no longer bogged down by the stress of constant caregiving. Seniors also benefit from becoming friends with their caregivers, who serve as additional sources of support seniors can lean on during times of need. Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Des Moinesfamilies who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. Trust your loved one’s care to the professionals at Home Care Assistance. Reach out to one of our compassionate Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438.