Taking care of an aging parent or grandparent can be a stressful responsibility if you do it alone. Respite care offers a number of benefits for family caregivers, and even a few for your senior loved one, as professionals of home care, Lincoln, CA families trust, discuss below.
1. Relieve Stress
Even the best family caregivers in the world experience stress related to their caregiving duties at times, which can lead to anxiety, depression, and eventually, serious health complications. Respite care provides a chance to manage stress. Maybe you can head to the beach for the weekend or take a few hours to take a bath, watch a movie, or take a nap. Some stress-free “me” time will make you a better caregiver.
2. Make Time for Other Family Members
If you are married or have kids, you probably spend less time with them while taking care of your aging loved one. Hiring Lincoln respite care allows you to make it to those baseball games and ballet practices and gives you the chance to sit down and talk about your day with your family.
3. Boost Personal Health
People who take care of a senior loved one are more likely to neglect their own health, which can lead to a number of diseases and conditions. Taking some time off gives you a chance to manage your own health. Maybe you have time to exercise or make a grocery list and go shopping for healthy foods instead of going to the drive-thru.
4. Catch Up on Responsibilities
Family caregivers also have a tendency to fall behind on daily responsibilities such as bills, laundry, and maintaining their own homes. While it is important to relax, letting these chores pile up can make life even more stressful. Make some time, even if it’s just a few minutes a day, to run an errand or throw some clothes into the wash.
5. Offer a New Perspective
Multiple studies have shown caregivers tend to feel isolated, and a little time away can help stave off this feeling. Sometimes it is easier to think about a situation when you remove yourself from it. During your free time, you may come up with some ideas about how to take better care of your loved one or seek advice from friends and family.
6. Benefit Your Loved One
Caregivers are not the only people who benefit from respite care. Seniors who require help often feel isolated, and hiring a professional can provide them with some social stimulation and help break up the monotony of the day. Your loved one will also receive better care if you have had some time to re-energize.
Professional respite caregivers have years of experience, and can provide a range of social stimulation programs to boost memory in seniors with cognitive decline. If your loved one has Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or dementia, call Home Care Assistance. Our respite care plans can include mobility assistance, meal preparation, transportation, as well as our patent Cognitive Therapeutics Method to enhance quality of life. For high-quality respite and live-in care, Lincoln, CA, families can call us at (916) 226-3737.