A recent study done by the Commonwealth Fund reported that sixty percent of the caregivers s of the family surveyed, ages 19-64, reported they were in fair or poor health and one or more of them have chronic conditions or disabilities. This is compared to 33 percent of non-caregivers. This report isn’t much of a surprise to family members who are the caregivers of their loved ones who need help with their everyday life. Caregivers can feel overwhelmed by the physical, economic, and emotional burdens without any personal support.
It’s too often that the health and well-being of an at-home caregiver is placed in danger as the result of the stressful circumstances that is faced each day. The caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients are often called “the second victims”.
Relief and Renewal of Respite Care
Nobody is equipped to be a caregiver when it comes to the demanding and stressful responsibility that comes with it. Caregivers need just as much support and attention as their loved ones they care for in order to maintain their own well-being and health. Caregivers are given the opportunity for rest temporarily from their caregiving duties with Ottawa respite care.
If a caregiver is stressed, respite care can provide short-term breaks for them to restore their energy and their sense of balance in life. Not only that, but it can also provide freedom from the duties caregivers are responsible for while their loved ones continue to get the care they require in a professional, caring, and safe environment.
A “Win-Win”
Caring for a loved one in the home can be rewarding, however, also very challenging. Respite care can give their loved ones a break from the care routine on a daily basis. Caregivers are given some down time and they can be rest assured that their loved ones are benefiting from the support and care that is provided in a safe and nurturing environment.
Benefits of Respite Care
Your personal support and health maintenance are vital to managing the responsibilities that caregivers have. It’s best to use the respite care before you become overwhelmed, isolated, and exhausted. It can save you emotionally if you regularly schedule relief.
Not only does respite care give you the downtime for some relaxation, but they also give you a change for personal revitalization by ensuring that you have time for family, friends, shopping, and fitness. They also allow you the time to do things for your own personal pleasure in your life. This kind of care brings you peace of mind in knowing that your loved one is spending their time with other people who care for them just as much as you do in a comfortable and safe place.
The benefits of respite care includes:
- Relaxation and Renewal: Taking a stroll, going to the mall, visiting a museum, or doing what brings you happiness can help bring your peace, calm you, and decrease your heart rate.
- Energy: You need time to re-energize yourself in order to effectively manage your busy life.
- Space: Even if you take short break from caregiving, it can help you become more relaxed and bring you a sense of purpose.
- Pleasure: You should always remember that you have the right to enjoy your life. There is no reason to feel guilty about taking time off.
- Identity: Remember, you are important. You need to maintain your personal sense of self.
- Perspective: Taking time away gives you the opportunity to keep things in perspective. It might even have you thinking of better ways to perform certain tasks.
- Engagement: It’s important that caregivers engage with their friends by going out to lunch, going shopping, and doing whatever brings you enjoyment.
Take a Break
You can’t do it all, which is why it’s important to take a break occasionally. You need to be realistic and seeking help is the right thing to do for you and your loved one. Home care can help you refresh yourself both mentally and physically. In the long run, it will allow you to be a better caregiver, parent, spouse, and person.
