As a caregiver for an elderly loved one, you do a lot to make sure all of their needs are taken care of. From helping them each day to eat meals that are nutritious to assisting them with getting dressed or brushing their hair, you connect each day in many ways. You also probably help provide the companionship they crave, as well as attend some of their favorite activities like senior classes at the gym or morning coffee on Saturdays with their friends.
You do it all but it’s also important that you routinely take care of yourself during this time of being the caregiver for your elderly loved one. Caregivers who take time out for themselves routinely are better caregivers, who have more patience, grace, and enjoyment as they care for their loved ones.
Respite Care Defined
Taking time for yourself is also called respite. Defined respite means “a short period of rest or relief from something difficult.” Respite care for caregivers is a service provided by trained professionals to provide a bit of relief for caregivers so that they can step away from their caregiving responsibilities for a short period in order to take care of other needs. These breaks are generally just a few hours long at a time, but they can be extended to several days if needed.
No matter how much you love caring for your elderly loved one, these breaks should be an important part of your routine so that the care you provide is the best it can be for both your loved one and you.
Five Ways to Take a Break
The key to taking a bit of a break is having a plan for how you will spend that time on break. If you don’t have a plan, then you may wrap it up and not feel any benefits that should come from having someone provide respite care while you get away.
How you spend your time while your loved one is getting respite care is completely up to you and there is no wrong way to enjoy your break from caregiving. But if you’re looking for ideas or suggestions, here are five common activities many caregivers enjoy while taking a bit of respite from caregiving.
- Completing a project. It can be finishing something you love, like adding the final touches to the quilt you’ve been working on for years, or it can be completing a chore that’s been hanging over your head and you just need to be done with it so you don’t need to worry about it anymore.
- Catching up with friends. If you’ve missed your weekly lunches with the gals, take some time to reconnect with them.
- Exercising. When caring for an elderly loved one, it can be difficult to get a daily run-in or go to the pool for some laps. Use respite care to care for your physical health and your body will thank you.
- Pampering. Respite care is a great time to pamper yourself. It could be a massage, a manicure, or a meal at a night restaurant.
- Running Errands. While not the most fun, some errands are much easier to do without your loved one so prioritize those so they are off your already full plate.
Remember, do what’s best for you and you’ll return to caregiving feeling recharged and refreshed.
If you or an aging loved one is considering Respite Care at Home in Webb City, MO, please contact the caring staff at Adelmo Family Care today at (417) 206-4576
Adelmo Family Care provides exceptional home and facility care for seniors, disabled adults, and their families in Joplin, Webb City, Carthage, Duquesne, Neosho, Carl Junction, Lamar, Newton County, MO, Jasper County, MO, Pittsburg, KS, Riverton, KS, Crawford County, KS, Cherokee County, KS, and surrounding areas.
To provide the safest and most qualified caregivers, John felt it was important to properly screen and train caregivers before they were invited into the homes of the families being care for.No caregiver is introduced to a client before being taught the Adelmo Standard.
Adelmo is German for Noble Protector, a name that projects what Adelmo Family Care strives to be. It is our goal to protect our elderly from having to move somewhere they do not want to go, while remaining safe, secure and independent.
Care is our Product and Independence is our Goal.We are there for you when you need to have some help to continue to live independently, at your direction, in your home. We will work with you to get you as fit as possible so you may become completely independent once again, if at all possible.
We provide compassionate care, a watchful eye and a helping hand to our clients and their families.
We can't wait to meet you!
Adelmo Family Care is a member of the Home Care Association of America, The Senior’s Choice, The Webb City Chamber of Commerce, The Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and several local senior committees.
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