Respite Care for Dementia Caregivers: The Benefits for Caregivers & Loved Ones
As a caregiver, you’re likely familiar with the feeling of burnout. Family caregivers are at higher risk of exhaustion, mental health problems, and resentment.
These feelings are natural — you do a lot for your loved one! However, in order to provide sustainable, loving care, you need breaks. Respite care is one of the best ways to get those breaks, leaving your loved one in the hands of a capable professional.
How Dementia Impacts Families
It’s not just your loved one who suffers from the effects of dementia. Entire families can experience major distress when a loved one develops memory and behavioral problems. While it’s not your loved one’s fault, it’s hard to stay focused on providing compassionate care while simultaneously dealing with their symptoms.
Dementia can cause aggressive and argumentative behaviors. It may seem like no matter what you do, you end up upsetting your loved one. The mental toll this takes is undeniable.
Family caregivers are usually unpaid and must provide round-the-clock care for their aging parents. This is often harmful to the caregiver’s mental, physical, and social well-being.
As a caregiver, you may experience:
- Isolation and loneliness
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Rage
- Resentment
- Burnout
- Physical health problems
- Extreme stress
- Poor bonding with your loved one
- Mental and physical exhaustion
- Lack of self-care
- Compassion fatigue
It’s never easy to care for someone else 24/7. That’s why you need a break, and respite care can provide that.
How Respite Care Works
Respite care is a type of temporary senior care designed to give long-term family caregivers a break. You can schedule respite care at regular intervals, preventing burnout and increasing your ability to care for both yourself and your loved one.
Paid professionals are trained and skilled in their craft. They know how to tend to seniors’ needs, addressing medical, physical, and emotional problems as they arise. You never have to feel guilty for using respite care.
Surprising Benefits of Using Respite Care Regularly
If you don’t take a break voluntarily, your body and mind will ensure you get one. Rather than letting resentment and exhaustion build up, why not take advantage of the opportunity for paid respite care? Here are some unexpected benefits of leaving your loved one in someone else’s hands while you take some time off.
A Stronger Sense of Identity
Being a caregiver can be all-consuming. You might feel like your only purpose in life is to serve others. With respite care, you can take regular breaks to tend to your own passions and needs, enhancing your sense of self outside of caregiving.
Better Self-Care
Self-care is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity as a caregiver. Respite care gives you the time and space you need to be your best self. Whether it’s journaling, going for a walk, or visiting your favorite restaurant, you deserve to do things that are just for you. Your happiness will translate into better caregiving.
A Stronger Bond Between You and Your Loved One
It might seem counterintuitive, but taking time away from your loved one can strengthen the bond you share. Instead of letting resentment build up and getting burnt out, you can actually enjoy the time you have with your loved one. You can spend it doing pleasant activities together, putting less pressure on you to serve as just a caregiver.
Healthier Family Relationships
Family caregiving can split families into two camps — those who care for an aging parent and those who don’t. You and your siblings may often fight about who’s supposed to do what.
Respite care offers a neutral intervention to give you and your family members a break from the conflict. Now, you can spend time together that doesn’t necessarily involve discussing caregiving duties.
High-Quality Memory and Senior Care
Respite caregivers are highly skilled professionals. They can keep your loved one stimulated with memory exercises and other beneficial activities. When you might be too tired and drained to do these things, a respite professional is the perfect person to take over. You’ll likely see your loved one’s happiness skyrocket as a result.
Staying Out of a Senior Care Facility
Aging at home is one of the major benefits of respite care. Having regular professional assistance can keep your loved one out of a facility if that’s what everyone wishes to do. You don’t have to worry about your loved one’s needs exceeding your caregiving capacities; there’s someone else around to help.
Giving Yourself Permission to Use Respite Care
As a caregiver who is likely related to the senior in question, it’s not always easy to take a break. Even if you know a qualified professional has stepped in, you may still struggle with feelings of guilt and shame.
Rest assured that there’s nothing wrong with asking for help. In fact, you’ll be a better caregiver for it. Your loved one deserves the best care possible, and you can’t provide that if you’re burnt out and frustrated. Respite care is there as an aid, serving to improve family relationships year-round. Don’t be ashamed to take advantage of that privilege.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
