Family caregivers might run into an interesting problem when they first start thinking about taking time away for respite care. Not knowing what to do or how to make the most of respite care can leave them feeling as if they don’t need this type of help after all. That’s the wrong approach, however, and can lead to some big health issues for family caregivers.
Here’s how they can make the most of respite care:
Prioritize Rest and Relaxation
For starters, family caregivers are often very short on rest and relaxation. Having respite care providers temporarily take over the caregiving tasks means that family caregivers can start to prioritize both.
They might do this by choosing to sleep or by planning to get better sleep. Spending time away from screens can help the mind rest. Engaging in mindfulness techniques, like meditation or deep breathing, can help family caregivers experience a sense of calm.
Reconnect with Interests
When people get really busy, they typically find that the first things to take a back seat are hobbies and interests. Respite care means that family caregivers can set aside some of that time to reconnect with a few of those interests.
Spending time in nature and combining fresh air with exercise could also be a good option. Revitalizing relationships with others is another idea.
Attend Support Groups
Being a family caregiver is a lot. There’s a lot to do and a lot to learn, and it can be overwhelming. Seeking support groups and other forms of mental and emotional support, like counseling or therapy, can be really helpful for family caregivers.
Sharing with others and learning from them can be validating for family caregivers. They can also get valuable practical advice to make caregiving easier for everyone involved.
Practice Self-Care
So often family caregivers can tell people when their family member last had a doctor’s appointment and what happened, but can’t say the same for themselves. Practicing self-care isn’t just about pampering, but that can definitely make the list. Big self-care items include eating healthy meals, getting enough sleep and exercise, and getting to see their own doctors.
Set Up a “Staycation”
It might be a big ask, especially the first few times that families bring in respite care services, to leave the house and go anywhere else. A caregiver retreat at home might be just the ticket.
Family caregivers should find a spot where they can relax uninterrupted. Soft blankets, favorite books, good movies, and tasty snacks can round out the experience. Later, an actual afternoon out of the house or a weekend getaway could be options that allow family caregivers to recharge and relax more fully.
Have a Plan for Respite Care
It is vital that family caregivers take the time to make a plan for respite care. Trying to wing it or trusting that they’ll come up with an idea on the day professional caregivers will be there might not be as successful as expected. Plans don’t have to be complicated, but they should take into account what family caregivers need and how much time they have available for themselves.
Respite care is a crucial opportunity for family caregivers to regain the energy they need to offer compassionate care to the seniors they love.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Respite Care in Philadelphia, 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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