Why Family Caregivers May Consider Respite Care

Serving as a family caregiver for an aging in place elderly loved one is highly rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally draining. The average family caregiver in America also juggles at least a part-time job and household with their caregiving responsibilities, which makes their lives even more challenging. “Respite care” is a term that refers to short-term or temporary relief and comes in many shapes and sizes.

As a caregiver, there may be several reasons to take some time off:
  • Caregiver Fatigue

While flying solo caring for a loved one, especially for several months or years, it is not uncommon to start feeling tired, rundown, and irritable. Those are classic signs of caregiver fatigue, a condition that can quickly worsen unless able to get some caregiving relief.

  • Vacation

As a spouse or parent, it is natural to want to go on a family vacation someplace relaxing. Doing so will also give a chance to step back from the caregiving responsibilities, recharge, and refresh.

  • Illness or Injury

This aspect works both ways in the caregiver/recipient relationship. For example, the disease or condition requires a level of care that a family caregiver is simply not trained to provide. Or, it is easy to hurt ones back helping an aging parent out of bed, and thus need some time to mend.

  • Business-Related Travel

The boss might approach one day with an exciting job opportunity that requires traveling out-of-state for training purposes. Being something that is promising for career purposes, there then is a need to find a caregiving replacement to fill in until the return.

  • Testing Other Possibilities

There may be a time in the future that the usual family caregiver is no longer available. Nobody wants to use their loved one as a “guinea pig” for trying other caregivers. But better to try voluntarily rather than waiting until forced to test out other caregiving possibilities.

Respite Care Sources

When any of these scenarios present themselves, it will become necessary to share the workload with a respite caregiver who can step in and deliver the nurturing care your loved one needs to ensure their continued health and wellbeing. Once decided to find a respite caregiver and take a well-deserved break, some possible respite care options include:

  • Family Members and Friends

In many families, the eldest daughter takes on most of the caregiving duties by default or choice. Recruit all siblings and get them involved as much as possible in giving a break – especially if fatigue is starting to set in. Another potential source is a trusted friend, notably one who has been through it before.

  • Community Resources

Visit your local Office on Aging’s website for some senior caregiving resources in your area, such as:

    • Volunteers from faith-based and other non-profit organizations
    • Senior transportation
    • Meal services that deliver to the home
    • Day camps
  • Adult Daycare

These centers are specifically designed for seniors who can no longer manage on their own. Most have planned activities that promote wellbeing through social, educational, and health-related services. While maintaining a safe, cheerful, and supportive environment, the average adult daycare center is open Monday through Friday and provides healthy meals and snacks.

  • Paid In-Home Respite Care

You can also hire a professional respite caregiver through a nearby licensed Home Care agency. Most agencies provide around-the-clock care if needed, along with a full menu of in-home services designed to keep seniors happy, healthy, and independent.

Affordable & Reliable Respite Care for In-Home Seniors

Serving as a family caregiver for an aging loved one is very beneficial. However, it can also feel physically and mentally overwhelming at times. When a break is needed, trust in a highly trained respite caregiver from Hibernian Home Care. As a fully licensed and insured Home Care agency, our carefully screened caregivers can step in and provide your loved one with the compassionate care they deserve to keep them aging comfortably in place right where they want to be.

From a few hours per week to 24-hours a day, our reliable respite caregivers can perform in-home duties. Examples include light housework, personal hygiene, meals, transportation, medication reminders, or just some much-needed companionship. And, we tailor all our family trusted amenities for each client. For more information about Hibernian Home Care, or to schedule a complimentary initial assessment with our registered nurse and case manager, call us at 732-481-1148 or Contact Us online.