“Caregiving is demanding — and it’s normal to need a break. Seeking help does not make you a failure. Remember that respite services benefit the person with dementia as well as the caregiver.” Alzheimer’s Association
The term respite care simply refers to a break from caregiving responsibilities. Family caregivers of people with dementia, or other chronic health conditions, use respite services so they can accomplish what they need to do. They often don’t have opportunities for these things when they are constantly caregiving.
Aside from accomplishing errands and tasks to keep the household running, respite time can be used for the caregiver to take care of his or her own needs – something that experts recognize as essential to maintaining a family’s long-term success in a caregiving situation. As the Alzheimer’s Association points out, using respite care can enhance one’s ability to be an effective caregiver.
Home-Based Respite Care
One easy and popular form of respite care is to hire a home care aide to come into the home. The aide can assist with personal care needs, such as dressing, toileting and bathing if needed. They can engage the person with dementia in physical activities, such as going for a walk or working in the garden. Home care aides provide social stimulation and can engage in mentally stimulating activities with the person with dementia. Working on puzzles, reading, listening to music, painting or engaging in favorite hobbies are just a few options. This type of engagement is very beneficial for the person with dementia.
Some savvy families have home care aides help out with shopping, cooking, laundry and housework while they are there. Many people with dementia enjoy helping out with these types of activities. They offer a meaningful form of physical activity, which can be helpful for improving mood and sleep.
An additional benefit of respite care is that the person with dementia will already have a relationship with the home care aide should there arise an emergency requiring an alternate caregiver. This can translate to a much smoother and less stressful experience if the family caregiver suddenly must leave town or spend time in a hospital.
Home-Based Respite offers Many Benefits on a Customized Schedule
Home-based respite care offers opportunities for the caregiver to accomplish errands or take a break. It offers people with dementia opportunities for physically, mentally and socially stimulating activities which can improve their quality of life. It also helps the family prepare in case of emergency.
A caregiver is available on a schedule customized to the needs of the family. It can be scheduled only occasionally, to allow the caregiver to get to an appointment, or it can be scheduled on a routine basis. Families often find it successful to schedule respite care once or more weekly, or every day. Talk to the caregiver agency about what might meet your family’s unique needs.
Source: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/respite-care
If you are considering Caregiver Services in Waldo FL, for an aging loved one, please contact the caring staff at Touching Hearts Home Care. Call today: 352-225-3727.
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