The responsibility of knowing that your loved one is relying on you, the exhaustion at the thought of everything you need to do in a day, and the guilt eating at you that you aren’t doing enough - caregiver burnout is real. If you are one of the 53 million American adults serving as a non-professional caregiver to an aging loved one, you know firsthand how difficult it can be to perform at work, support your family, provide care, and care for yourself daily. If you are experiencing a decline in your physical, mental, or emotional health, it may be time to turn to a professional in-home caregiver.

What is Respite Care?

Respite care is temporary support from a professional caregiver designed to give family caregivers a much-needed break from the demands of caregiving for an aging loved one. Depending on your family’s specific needs, this temporary care can vary from a handful of hours to a few days until you can return. Whether you need to attend to personal matters or take a break to rest, you can trust that your elderly loved one is in caring hands without you there.

Who is Respite Care For?

Respite care is a form of non-medical, in-home care that differs from medical home health care. Home health care is optimal for elderly adults recovering from a hospital stay or who need prescription medicine administration, glucose monitoring for diabetes, or home therapy. If your loved one needs non-medical assistance with activities of daily living, transportation, meal preparation, fall prevention, or medication reminders, respite care is a great fit.

Benefits of Respite Care

Rest for Caregivers

Many family caregivers experience caregiver burnout, a decline in their health as a result of caring for their loved one aging at home. It’s common to feel exhausted, withdrawn, hopeless, and irritable. If you experience fear or frustration, are getting physically sick, or are losing sleep, this can all be attributed to caregiver burnout. Respite care serves as a lifeline for family caregivers, providing the time and space needed to rest and restore. Regular breaks prevent burnout and reduce stress, allowing caregivers to maintain their physical and mental health.

Social Interaction for Care Recipients

Not only is respite care beneficial for family caregivers, but it’s also beneficial for aging adults who are typically under the care of family members. Respite care from a professional caregiver provides opportunities for socialization and engagement for aging individuals, which is instrumental in their overall well-being. Respite care provides an opportunity for the care recipient to interact with new people, which can be stimulating and enjoyable.

Peace of Mind

You can make the most of respite care by planning respite care breaks for yourself instead of waiting until you feel helpless to understand your options. Communicate your expectations and your loved one’s care needs with the respite caregiver and have an honest conversation with your loved one about how you feel. A well-rested caregiver is more patient, attentive, and effective, which translates to better care for your loved one.

HomeSpark Professional Respite Care

Your primary goal is to provide the best care for your aging loved one. Whether you do that on your own as a family caregiver or turn to a professional caregiver through respite care, you can rest assured that your loved one is in good hands. At HomeSpark, we know that bringing a caregiver into your family is a big decision. We will get to know your family’s specific needs and help you explore respite care options that help you maintain a healthier balance, ensuring both you and your loved one can thrive. Contact us to get started.