Attempting to balance caregiving duties with other life responsibilities can be overwhelming, which is why you should consider using respite care. The option also provides benefits for your senior loved one, such as companionship and help around the home. Respite care is often the best solution for restoring a sense of balance in your life.
1. Better Recovery Outcomes
If your loved one is recovering from an illness or injury, hiring a respite caregiver for a few weeks or a couple of months could speed up the recovery process and help your parent restore many of the skills he or she has lost. Having skilled respite caregivers in the home while an elderly parent is recovering from an accident, illness, or surgical procedure can also prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions. Most respite caregivers are experienced in handling behavioral challenges, care coordination, and various age-related conditions. Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated elderly home care, Des Moines, IA, families 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.
2. Increased Socialization
Older adults who live alone are at higher risk for isolation, but having a respite caregiver come in from time to time can prevent boredom and loneliness. A respite caregiver can encourage your loved one to get out of the home, whether it’s to run an errand or participate in fun events. The welcome change in the daily routine may enhance your loved one’s mood and reduce the risk of depression.
3. Variety of Nutritious Meals
Diet plays a vital role in the health of older adults, which is why they need to get plenty of vitamins and minerals. With respite care, you’re ensuring your loved one eats plenty of foods that are tasty and nutritious, even if you’re unable to help with meal prep for the week. Cooking is one of the top services respite caregivers provide, along with offering medication reminders and performing basic household chores.
4. Temporary Time Off
All family caregivers need to take breaks, whether it’s for a few hours a week or a couple of days throughout the month. The temporary relief gives them the ability to rest and regroup. Failing to take time off from your caregiving duties could lead to mental, physical, and emotional exhaustion, which is known as caregiver burnout. Respite care is also a cost-efficient option you can use if you decide to take an extended break. 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.
5. Clearer Perspective
Spending too much time together can be detrimental to the relationships between seniors and their family caregivers. They need time apart to maintain their identities and see things with a better perspective. Respite caregivers can provide unbiased opinions as well as caregiving tips that make the days less challenging for family caregivers. A respite caregiver could also give you and your parent a list of available resources in the community. 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. You can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep your loved one safe and comfortable while aging in place. If you need professional care for your senior loved one, Home Care Assistance is just a phone call away. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (515) 264-2438 to learn more about our customized care plans.
