Sometimes, you need a helping hand when it comes to caring for a relative. “Caregiver burnout” is becoming a well-documented problem, where a family caregiver finds themselves overwhelmed, stressed, and prone to anxiety and anger while juggling the care of their aging parents with the care of their children. Trying to manage an ailing relative at all hours of the day can be exhausting, and sometimes giving yourself and your relative a break is the best course of action.
This is where respite care can provide relief.
What is Respite Care
In-home respite care is temporary care provided by a certified caregiver from a home care agency. They provide a range of services to ensure your relatives can remain safely within their home while you take care of whatever it is you need to do. This care can range from providing companionship, light housekeeping, medical reminders, transportation to appointments, and meal prep, among other things. While they care for your family member, you can take care of yourself.
How Do I Know I Need Respite Care?
Of course, caregiver burnout is not the only reason you may find yourself looking into respite care services. If you’re the primary caregiver for an aging relative and found yourself in any of these situations, you may consider short-term care:
- Overwhelmed and stressed, facing “Caregiver burnout” and in need of temporary relief
- Surprise business trip or vacation with no friends or family to help
- Need to take care of errands but unable to bring your family member along
- And more.
Needing help with care isn’t a sign of weakness, rather knowing when you need to ask for help is a sign of strength.
Oftentimes, respite care can be beneficial not only to the family caregiver, but to the relative who needs assistance themselves. Socialization is important for both a caregiver and the elderly relative. Respite care allows the caregiver to take part in community events, and allows the elderly relative a chance to interact with someone outside of their family in a safe, familiar environment.
Finding Respite Care For Your Relatives
Trusting someone to take care of your relative can be difficult, so finding a trusted provider is imperative. You don’t want to find yourself in a situation where a sudden emergency demands urgent respite care. By carefully planning and discussing with a local home care service provider, you can make sure that in the event you need someone else to take over your relative for a period of time, the transition will be smooth.
At Companion Care of Georgia, we provide a free consultation for when you’re considering respite care for your relative, but aren’t entirely confident if you want to commit. We’ll be able to discuss the specific respite care needs you and your relative require, and what kind of schedule works best for you.
As you work out if respite care is right for you, you may consider a trial period of just an hour or two. This can get your relative familiar with their alternative caregiver, and give you a chance to breathe.
Companion Care of Georgia
In the event you find you need assistance with caring for your relative for a much longer period of time, Companion Care of Georgia also offers long-term care and in-home care for patients with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.
As a trusted and dedicated provider of care for the elder members of our community, Companion Care of Georgia is a place you can trust to provide you with the best care possible. Our care professionals are trained to provide your relatives with the respect and dignity they deserve. Feel free to contact us for more information.
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