When Is the Right Time to Use Respite Care in Findlay, OH?
Full-time caregivers are the unsung heroes who walk among us. It's no secret how demanding this role is in all aspects of life -- physically, emotionally, and mentally.
This is why respite care is important not only for aging loved ones but also for their caregivers. But when is the right time to consider respite care if you're a full-time caregiver? When is it suitable for you both?
Here's when it's time to call in the services of respite care in Findlay, OH.
Respite Care: What Does It Involve?
A national study carried out by the CDC indicates that 53 percent of caregivers have experienced a decline in health after taking up this role. Most of them are overworked and sleep-deprived.
To add to this, over a third of caregivers in the study reported feeling both emotional and physical stress while trying to balance their role as a caregiver and their personal life.
This just goes to show how vulnerable caregivers are to the full-time responsibility of looking after someone else. This is where senior respite care is an invaluable tool for caregivers.
Let's take a closer look at what respite care involves:
- This form of substitute care offers caregivers a temporary break (respite) from their duties
- This temporary break can last hours, days, or even weeks -- depending on how much of a break a caregiver needs
- Respite care workers offer in-home services and bring top-notch care to you
- Respite care covers ADLs (assisted daily living tasks), medication management, transferring, transport, and 24/7 supervision where necessary
All respite caregivers are trained professionals with plenty of experience in caring for seniors and their specific needs.
When Is Respite Care a Good Idea?
It can often be difficult for caregivers to acknowledge that they need a break. But the reality is that they're only human and can only do so much.
Here's when it's time to consider short-term senior care:
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Almost every single caregiver will experience burnout at some point in their caregiving journey. The key is to know the signs and take some much-needed rest when you start displaying any of them:
- Feelings of overwhelm and anxiety
- Depression
- Feeling exhausted and irritable, even if you sleep well
- A lack of energy
- A loss of interest in personal hobbies
- Neglecting your own health needs
- Recurring illness that you can't seem to shake
Caregiver burnout tends to creep up on you. Taking regular breaks from caregiving duties and seeking respite care for a loved one does not make you selfish. It can make you a better caregiver, overall.
Illness or Hospitalization
If your loved one has recently fallen ill/injured and requires hospitalization, this is the perfect opportunity to enlist senior caregiving services.
When they're recovering from illness or injury, they generally require a much higher level of care than you can offer. This type of care is also typically quite difficult to do at home.
This is where it's a good idea to enlist the help of trained professionals who can offer round-the-clock respite care, while you take a caregiving break.
Chronic Medical Conditions
The same goes for medical conditions that require a higher level of care and expertise to manage. As a default caregiver, you might not have the knowledge or physical strength to fully manage the care of your loved one to the level that they need.
Respite care nurses/staff can assist with providing the right type of care and support. They can also help you better understand your loved one's condition and how to manage their new health requirements.
Personal Life Events
As a caregiver, you most likely have your own life outside of caring for a loved one and a family who needs you too. The reality is that life happens and very often you need some time and space to deal with significant life events, away from your caregiving duties.
Whether it's planning a family vacation, taking maternity leave to expand your own family, or preparing for a child's wedding. Respite care is the perfect option to give you some personal time to focus on your own life and make precious memories.
Conflicting Schedules
Sometimes life events and your caregiving duties just don't slot into the same timeframe. As mentioned, life happens, and you might not be available when your loved one needs you.
It could be as simple as your loved one having a scheduled specialist appointment, but you're unavailable to take them on that specific day.
Respite care services include transportation to and from appointments. This means you can take care of your own needs, while making sure your loved one's needs are covered, too.
Upskilling Yourself
As a primary caregiver, you might want to improve your level of expertise when it comes to the scope of care you can offer. This is where upskilling yourself with caregiver training is invaluable.
Respite senior care gives you the chance to step away for some time, even if it's just a couple of days a week, to complete some training. This gives you a chance to grow your skillset as a caregiver, while your loved one still receives the best level of care.
Emergency Situations
Accidents happen and it's often when you're unprepared. Respite care becomes an invaluable asset during situations like these.
By getting to know our respite carers at Taylor Place Assisted Living, you already know your loved one is in the best hands, should an emergency arise.
Taking regular breaks and tapping into the benefits of respite care every so often means you can build a trusting relationship between your loved one and respite caregivers.
When an emergency presents itself, you have already established a bond with respite carers whom you know you can trust.
Looking for Respite Care in Findlay, OH?
Whether you're a primary caregiver or you know of one who deserves a much-needed break, Taylor Place Assisted Living offers top-quality respite care in Findlay, OH.
As one of the best retirement and assisted living communities in Findlay, we pride ourselves on offering compassionate, warm, and thoughtful care. We are here for you!
If you're interested in learning more about our respite care options and what our community offers, we welcome all of your questions. Please get in touch, today.