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When the Beatles sang “I get by with a little help from my friends” in 1967, they coined a phrase that could be an anthem for primary caregivers. Selfless, loyal, and dedicated, family members caring for loved ones with illness or disability excel at taking care of others—but sometimes they need a little help in order to care for themselves.
The demands of providing 24/7 care can be physically and emotionally draining for caregivers. Without breaks to maintain their own mental and physical wellness, caregivers can become sick or experience burnout. With no trusted, competent, caring person to turn to for respite, it can be difficult to maintain a household, run errands, exercise, or even take a shower.
Relief may come from nearby friends or other family members, but with families often living far apart and people’s lives overflowing with busy schedules, caregivers often find themselves shouldering the burden alone. For many caregivers, home health care providers can be the “friends” who help you get by.
Home care agencies offer respite care to help caregivers find relief from the daily demands of caring for a loved one. Whether the scope of respite care includes medical or non-medical services, it is typically delivered in the client’s home for as little as a few hours or as long as several days.
Specific respite care services can be provided for the caregiver or for the individual requiring care. Relief for the caregiver might come in the form of assistance with shopping, errands, and laundry while the caregiver continues to care for the person in need.
In other cases, the respite care provider will take over the responsibilities of care so the caregiver can leave the home for errands, classes, a walk, or even a short vacation. Anything that helps caregivers “recharge their batteries” is a good reason to engage respite care.
The best home care agencies offer a wide range of flexible services, delivered by qualified, trained, compassionate home care providers who are experienced in providing respite care.
To ensure that you choose a provider who meets your family’s needs, it’s important to identify whether your loved one needs skilled nursing or assistance with personal care. Caring for elderly adults or someone with Alzheimer’s may be different than providing respite care for adults with special needs or chronic illness.
Some clients may need help with bathing or climbing stairs, while others may require assistance with medication, oxygen, or more complex medical needs. Respite car for seniors can be as simple as providing companionship—taking a client to a movie or salon, or sharing a game or a meal.
Whatever the need, in order for caregivers to enjoy their well-deserved break, they must be able to trust respite care providers and know that their loved ones are in capable hands.
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