It’s incredibly common for family caregivers to feel as if they’re left on their own to deal with the challenges of taking care of the seniors they love. There are ways for family caregivers to get the support they desperately need, especially with problems like taking time away to meet their own needs. Respite care makes a huge difference in keeping family caregivers capable of caring for themselves and the other people in their lives.
Consider Routine Changes
Sometimes the routines that used to work well for families in the past no longer offer the same support. That can happen because seniors undergo health changes or because family caregivers are at a higher risk of burnout.
Changing up the routine a bit, including by adding support from respite care providers, can make a big difference. Sticking with routines that no longer meet needs can actually be more harmful than helpful.
Talk to Seniors
It’s also a good idea to discuss seniors’ needs, their observations, and the support they believe would be helpful. Keeping seniors involved in the caregiving process reduces stress and frustration for both seniors and family caregivers. There could be options that seniors are interested in trying that would make life easier for family caregivers as well.
Taking the time for a needs assessment keeps everyone on the same page about care plans.
Ask for Help
When family caregivers try to do everything on their own, life is more likely to stay overwhelming. Asking for help from family members, friends, and respite care services is a great way for family caregivers to get additional support.
Many of these people and services want to offer help, but don’t know what the family caregiver needs most. Being clear and open about needs ends up benefiting everyone in the long run.
Consider Respite Care
Respite care allows family caregivers to take time away, often on a regular basis, knowing that seniors have someone there with them.
Respite care time is an opportunity for family caregivers to rest, go to medical appointments, visit friends, or engage in other activities that require their full attention. This is care that family caregivers can schedule or enlist at a moment’s notice.
Stick to Respite Plans
It’s equally important for family caregivers to stick to their respite plans once they make them. Feeling guilty for taking time away is normal, but giving in to the urge to cancel and avoid taking that time for oneself is likely to present bigger issues.
Over time, family caregivers should start noticing that they feel better overall and have a better handle on caregiving duties, too.
Nobody can do everything alone, especially when it involves being a family caregiver over a long period of time. Taking the time to rest, recharge, and come back to caregiving as fresh as possible has massive benefits for both aging adults and family caregivers.
Respite care provides families with greater flexibility to continue being there for the seniors they love.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Respite Care in Germantown, PA, please contact the caring staff at Better Care Home Health Services today at (267) 766-5218
Better Care Home Health Services is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Philadelphia, Germantown, Glenside, Elkins Park, Bryn Mawr, Roxborough, Wyncote, Broomall, Upper Darby, Yeadon, Lansdowne, Narberth, Wynnewood, Penn Wynne, Fairmount, Ardmore, Chestnut Hill, and the surrounding areas.
Better Care Home Health Services is a family-owned agency dedicated to providing excellent and comprehensive home health care to individuals and families of Philadelphia, Delaware, Montgomery and Bucks counties. We are honored that God has blessed us with the opportunity to positively impact and change people’s lives. It is our mission to ensure that we provide the very best of care to our clients.
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