Respite Care for Elderly Parent: A Quick Guide to Short-Term Caregiver Relief
Being a caregiver for an elderly parent can be a rewarding experience in many ways. However, it is also a position that can prove to be demanding both emotionally and physically, leading to burnout in many cases. As such, family caregivers must consider taking advantage of respite care.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite care is a temporary source of relief for caregivers who need a break. It is a form of care that can last for a few hours or span days or weeks. It all depends on the needs of the caregiver and the options available to them.
As such, respite care can play different roles for each caregiver. Perhaps you only need support once in a while since caregiving is your full-time focus. Alternatively, you might build respite care into your schedule on a weekly or monthly basis. Respite care is meant to support you as the primary caregiver as well as your elderly parent, whatever that kind of support may look like.
On that note, respite care can, itself, take many forms. It could be another family member stepping in while the primary caregiver runs errands or takes care of other personal needs. It could also be a short-term stay in an assisted living community or a visit from a professional caregiver.
Respite Care In-Home vs. in a Community
In-home respite care is a great option for caregivers who only need support for a few hours at a time. It might take the form of family members stepping in to help out or choosing to instead hire professional help, and it can take place on an as-needed or regular basis. The person providing respite care will come to your home and care for your parent while you step out to take care of your personal needs for a while.
If you need caregiving support for longer than a few hours or overnight, there are a few out-of-home options. Many assisted living communities offer short-term respite care, where your parent will be in the capable hands of healthcare professionals while you take some time away.
Adult daycare centers are another great option for older adults to receive the care they need, as well as some social time with others while their caregiver takes a break. You can even look into respite camps and retreats for caregivers where care for your elderly parent is provided while you take part in educational and community-building activities.
Which Option Is Best?
The type of respite care that works best for you will always depend on your needs as well as those of your parent. For example, if your parent has significant and complex medical needs, an assisted living community may be the safest place for them while you travel or spend time away. However, if your parent is largely independent, another family member or in-home caregiver could be the perfect fit for respite care.
Benefits of Respite Care for Family Caregivers
Here are a few of the most common benefits that caregivers will experience by pursuing respite care for their parent:
A Chance to Rest and Recharge
Caring for your parent can be stressful and exhausting, especially if they have many different medical needs to attend to. Respite care can provide you with the time you need to simply relax and focus on your own needs. You can return to caregiving more relaxed and better able to manage the day-to-day stresses of the job.
Better Schedule Management
For some caregivers, full-time caregiving is simply impossible, given their work and family needs. Building respite care into your schedule is a great way to fulfill your role as a caregiver while balancing all of the other essential areas of your life at the same time.
Specialized Care
Your elderly parent may have certain needs that you’re unable to fully support. Incorporating professional respite care into your caregiving routine can help to make sure your parent is getting the care they need while also supporting your personal needs.
Respite Care: A Compassionate Way to Support Aging Parents
Though it’s natural to focus on the health, safety, and happiness of your elderly parent as their caregiver, your needs matter, too. Luckily, respite care helps to balance the needs of adult children and their aging parents to keep both parties healthy and happy.
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.
