Even if your senior loved one is relatively sharp and healthy, caregiving could eventually impact your physical and mental health if you aren’t careful. Respite care provides the chance to focus on your own needs and happiness. Getting help from another caregiver or family member for just a few hours every month might be all you need to rebalance your life.
1. Relieves Stress
Caregiver Action Network claims stress from caregiving can weaken the immune system, increase the risk of obesity, and result in long-term health issues. Building a positive relationship with your loved one is a step in the right direction, but you also need to take time off. As with any other career, you must regularly take breaks from caregiving to keep your stress levels under control.
If you’re the primary family caregiver for an elderly loved one and need additional assistance providing high-quality elderly home care, Roseville Home Care Assistance can help. We are a leading home care agency committed to changing the way seniors age.
2. Offers the Chance to Focus on Personal Health
Family members who take care of aging loved ones often let their own health fall by the wayside. Many caregivers start skipping their medical checkups or eating unhealthy snacks because they have no time to make meals for themselves. Respite care provides the opportunity to catch up on your appointments, make a few healthy meals, and get in some exercise.
3. Reconnects Caregivers with Their Families
Your relationship with the rest of your family might start to deteriorate as you spend more time with your loved one. This is why you must be proactive about strengthening your other relationships. On your days off, try to set aside at least a few hours to do something fun or interesting with the rest of your family.
4. Provides a Fresh Perspective
Caregiving can be a complicated and confusing job at times, and you need to get a fresh perspective every once in a while to continue doing your job well. Taking a few days off can allow you to rethink your strategies. You can also spend some time researching new caregiving methods created by experts in the field.
When hiring professional respite care for your loved one, make sure the caregivers are professionally trained. Though you may be researching multiple agencies that provide home care service, Home Care Assistance has much to offer your family and your elderly loved one. We are leaders in the senior home care industry, offering proprietary programs like our holistic Balanced Care Method and around-the-clock assistance from reliable, experienced caregivers. Trust Home Care Assistance to help your loved one enjoy a happier and healthier life in the golden years.
5. Prevents Social Isolation
Ongoing social isolation is very common among caregivers, and it can lead to feelings of depression, anger, and anxiety. Interacting with friends and peers is one of the most effective ways to boost your emotions and enhance your outlook on life. In addition to spending time with your family, you might want to set aside some time every month for friends and other acquaintances.
6. Provides a Renewed Sense of Purpose
No matter how well you get along with your loved one, your relationship may occasionally be tested. Stepping aside and giving yourself some alone time can clear your thoughts and help you remember why you’re caring for your loved one in the first place. You can then return to caregiving with more energy and a renewed sense of purpose.
Caring for a senior loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be overwhelming for family caregivers who have other responsibilities they need to focus on. For these families, the perfect solution is respite care. Roseville families rely on our caregivers whenever they need time to rest, work, run errands, and even go on vacation. If your loved one needs assistance managing daily activities, call Home Care Assistance at (916) 226-3737 today.