Benefits of Respite care

A Commonwealth Fund study found that 60% of family caregivers surveyed reported “fair or poor” health and one or chronic conditions or disabilities, compared to only 33% of non-caregivers. This came as no surprise since long-term caregiving can come with a fairly heavy physical, emotional, and economical burden. If you are feeling overworked as the sole caregiver for your loved one, you can be at risk for developing caregiver burnout, depression, and other conditions. You must recognize for your and your loved one’s sake that you don’t have to do this alone. Respite care offers short-term care so you can take a break whenever you need it. Respite care comes with multiple benefits that help you take care of yourself and your loved one.

1. You get to relax

Your mental and physical health is at risk if you fail to get enough hours of sleep and take breaks to calm your body. Your body needs rust to function otherwise you can face exhaustion and even depression. Taking a break from your caregiving duties and using respite care can allow you to get the necessary rest which will clear your mind and enhance your mood.

2. Increases social engagement

As a family caregiver, you may feel isolated from friends and family since you are so occupied with taking care of your loved one. This can cause you to experience a mental and emotional breakdown. Respite care can prevent this by allowing you to have the time off to have dinner with friends, take a family vacation, and attend community events.

3. You can maintain a sense of social identity

When investing so much time and attention on others, you can start to lose touch with yourself. Respite care allows you to take time for yourself and regain your social identity by doing the things you once enjoyed aside from caregiving.

4. Provides assistance and support

If you can’t take help from other family members and you’re doing it all on your own, this can put stress on you and your loved one. Having all the responsibilities depend on you can be overwhelming and draining to your mental/physical health. Respite care offers additional support so your loved one can still be taken care of and you can prioritize your wellbeing.

5. Boosts health

You may schedule and go to all of your elderly family member’s doctor appointments, but what about your own? Not prioritizing your health can cause it to only get worse. Respite care offers you the necessary time you need to attend your doctor appointments and screenings.

6. Reduces friction between you and your loved one

When spending so much time together, caregivers and their loved one can grow tired of each other which can lead to resentment and a poor relationship. A break from time to time can solve that. Respite care allows the break for you to explore other pursuits and for your loved one to interact with someone other than yourself.

If you start to feel overburdened as a caregiver, take a step back and recognize you need a break because continuing will only cause strain to you and your loved one. Respite care will always be there for you to take time off whether it be a couple of hours or a few days.

1 +1 Cares is a referral agency that works for clients and caregivers. We match caregivers with clients and inform them of your requirements. We work for you so you and your loved one can have a safe, enjoyable caregiving experience. Call today for more information: (864) 999-3641