The benefits of respite care can be enjoyed by seniors with disabilities or chronic health conditions or by independent seniors who need a little help around the home. They’ll receive skilled care and companionship, enhancing their mental and physical wellbeing. Here are some of the ways seniors can benefit from respite care.
Living at Home
Many seniors prefer to stay in their homes as they grow older instead of going to assisted living facilities or nursing homes. With respite care, your aging loved one can have a professional caregiver come into the home for a few hours per day, a few days each week, or an extended time, based on his or her needs. Staying at home can boost mental health and stave off age-related conditions such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. Being surrounded by familiar settings can provide some control despite your loved one’s decreasing health.
Assistance with Basic Needs
The care needs of older adults vary from person to person. Some only need help with basic tasks like preparing meals, running errands, and light housekeeping. Receiving assistance with these tasks could help your loved one remain in good shape and increase his or her longevity. Your loved one will also have companionship, which could reduce the risk of isolation and depression. Having someone come in to check on your loved one a few times per week or month provides something to look forward to and boosts emotional wellbeing.
Although it may be challenging to find reliable, highly rated at-home care, you can turn to Home Care Assistance. Our respite and live-in caregivers are expertly trained to assist seniors with a wide array of important tasks, including cooking, bathing, light housekeeping, and exercise.
Separation for Elderly Caregivers
If one of your elderly parents takes care of the other, he or she will need time away. Sometimes senior caregivers forget to take breaks. Instead, they begin to limit their daily activities based on the health abilities of their senior spouses. Respite care gives your caregiver parent the separation he or she needs, allowing him or her to take some time off to enjoy favorite hobbies, visit the doctor, or work on personal goals. Finding time to practice self-care can boost cognitive health and quality of life.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Rocklin families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
Skilled Care
Seniors recovering from accidents or injuries and those living with chronic conditions generally require care beyond basic daily tasks. They may need help with the rehabilitation process, or they might need professionals who specialize in caring for people with specific diseases. These skilled caregivers have received training in caring for people with conditions that commonly affect seniors, such as osteoporosis and some types of cancer. Receiving specialized care is important because it could help your loved one stay at home instead of going into a nursing home. Skilled respite caregivers can also give your family tips about your loved one’s condition, which could slow the progression of the disease or reduce many of its symptoms.
A trained professional caregiver can be an extremely valuable member of your caregiving team. There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional senior home care. Rocklin families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today at (916) 226-3737 to learn more about our customized care plans.