As the primary caregiver to a loved one, you are on the clock 24/7. Though caregiver responsibilities will vary, the one thing they all have in common is that these responsibilities may at times seem endless. From treatment management and physical support to household chores and oversight of finances, you have a lot on your plate. Combined with your work responsibilities and demands in your personal life, this can be a heavy burden to lift.
Sometimes, it’s easy to feel like you’re completely alone when it comes to meeting all of these responsibilities and challenges. But it doesn’t have to be that way. There may be caregiver respite services that can help you to offset some of your responsibilities and provide you with a much-deserved break from your duties.
Beat the Burnout
In addition to the many practical challenges that come with day-to-day life as a caregiver, you must also be careful to protect yourself from the long-term consequences of caregiver burnout. Indeed, according to Family Caregiver Alliance, adults who provide caregiving responsibilities to a loved one are at a much higher risk for stress-related issues and negative health consequences.
Family Caregiver Alliance also revealed that between 30 and 40 percent of caregivers suffer from emotional stress and depression.
The dangers of caregiver burnout are real, not just for you, but for your loved one as well. In order for you to provide the kind of compassionate, attentive and high quality care that the job calls for, you must be your best self. This means being well-rested, focused and healthy.
Give Me a Break!
Seriously. You have to take breaks every once in awhile, whether you want to catch up on personal affairs, enjoy a little extra sleep or take a whirlwind vacation.
Caregiver respite services are designed to make this possible. Caregiver respite is an excellent resource for meeting caring and attentive individuals like yourself, health professionals who can step into your shoes for a few days. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, respite services are beneficial to the patient and caregiver alike, providing the same high level of sensitivity and support to the former while offsetting the burden shouldered by the latter.
The Alzheimer’s Association also identifies three distinct ways that you can access caregiver respite. With in-home, adult-day center and residential home options, you can determine what works best for the needs of your loved one.
Make a Plan
Seeking out a qualified respite care service should be a priority regardless of how well you feel you manage the stress and difficulty of your caregiving responsibilities. The Alzheimer’s Association points out that a trusted respite service should be a part of your emergency management plan.
Sometimes in life, unforeseen events make your temporary absence necessary. By being proactive and identifying a respite service that works for you and your loved one, you ensure that a qualified and compassionate individual is ready to be there when you can’t.
This peace of mind is priceless.
