No matter how dedicated you are as a primary caregiver to the senior in your life, you’re a human being, not a robot. At some point, you’re going to need some time for yourself.
Being so committed to taking care of someone can be exhausting. Failing to rest your brain from these demands has a long list of negative consequences. From burning out to damaging your relationship with the person you’re caring for, you’ll hurt your abilities as a caregiver by not refreshing yourself.
Of course, it’s not like primary caregivers can just leave the person they’re caring for at home to fend for themselves. There’s a reason you’re always by your ailing family member’s side–because they require 24/7 assistance. So, where are you to turn when you need some rest and relaxation as a primary caregiver?
At The Bridge Care Suites short-term rehab senior facility in Springfield, Illinois, we offer respite care. It includes a brief visit for the loved ones of primary caregivers – possibly involving one or several overnight stays – in one of our private rooms. But this is just one example. There are more types of respite care your loved ones can receive. Below, this blog will examine in more detail what respite care is and how it works.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care gives primary caregivers a temporary break from the loved ones they care for. In the introduction, The Bridge Care Suites was mentioned as a source of respite care, but it comes in many forms. For instance, respite care can also be provided in your home or at a daycare center. Respite care doesn’t have any necessary time limits. It can last for a few hours every week, giving a primary caregiver a regular break from their 24/7 job. This might allow you to visit appointments and do some shopping, etc.
Or respite care could last for several days, multiple weeks, or just a couple of days–all leading to overnight stays. The main idea is that respite care provides temporary relief for primary caregivers to recharge their batteries. It’s not a permanent change but a quick shift in the usual schedule.
What’s Offered By Respite Care Services
Whether respite care is provided through a short-term rehab facility like The Bridge Care Suites, at home, or at a day center, these are some services that are typically offered:
- Help with bathing, dressing, eating, and drinking
- Spending time and talking with the person in need of care
- Assistance with medications
- Supervision and help with exercise
- Guided outdoor activities
- Help with getting in and out of bed
Moreover, depending on where your family member stays, they’ll have access to a varying degree of services/resources. For instance, The Bridge Care Suites provides WiFi, a surround-sound theater, private rooms/bathrooms/showers, and much more. No matter where or how respite care services are provided, primary caregivers should have peace of mind knowing their loved ones are safe and comfortable.
Why is Respite Care Good for Primary Caregivers?
Primary caregiving is a 24/7 job without any pay. It’s a demanding duty that requires dedication, focus, and energy.
Eventually, you’re bound to start burning out as a primary caregiver. Caring for a family member who’s struggling with their health is already challenging enough. The psychological toll of seeing loved ones suffer is hard enough. Plus, it’s physically exhausting to be permanently at someone’s side whenever they need help. Taking the necessary breaks provided by respite care does wonders with preventing that burnout.
It allows you to re-energize and strengthen your spirit so that you can continue to be an exceptional caregiver once respite care reaches its end. When you don’t seek out these services, it can damage your relationship with your family member. You’ll be overburdened and tired, leading to feelings of resentment and hurting your ability to empathize with your loved one. Another way of looking at this is that you need to take care of yourself to be the best possible caregiver.
Why is Respite Care Good for Your Family Members in Need of 24/7 Care?
Put yourself in the shoes of the family member you’re caring for. The reason they need your care is likely because of a condition such as blindness, a brain injury, cancer, Alzheimer’s/dementia, a stroke, etc. Their quality of life has already taken a substantial hit.
Requiring round-the-clock care isn’t easy on anybody. And the everyday monotony that comes with staying at home and doing the same things can burn your ailing family member out as well. Respite care services – mainly when they’re provided at a short-term rehab center – offer a much-needed change of scenery.
Also, staying at home all the time can make your struggling family member feel isolated and lonely. Many respite care services allow them to socialize with other seniors while partaking in different activities, helping them feel connected with others in the community. This change of pace helps with stimulation and can do wonders for your ailing loved one’s mental health.
What is the Main Boundary in Front of Receiving Respite Care?
Often, primary caregivers themselves tend to get in the way of respite care. This mistake comes from a good place because they’re so focused on being available, feeling guilty for taking a break. Taking time for yourself shouldn’t be a source of guilt. This blog has already discussed how taking this respite is necessary to provide the best possible care.
Naturally, another issue is finding someone you trust to provide respite care to your loved one. This issue can be remedied by doing research and investigating the available providers in your community.
Looking for Respite Care Services in Springfield, Illinois?
Contact us at The Bridge Care Suites, we understand that – as a primary caregiver – you want to choose your respite care provider carefully. That’s why we’re more than happy to answer any questions you have about our respite care services. Feel free to reach out and contact us any time at (217) 787-0000–we look forward to hearing from you!
