Family Caregivers Take a Break with Respite Care

Living on their own in an apartment, condo or other senior residence may not be the best choice for your loved one – especially when questions of their health and well-being arise. You might prefer to welcome them into your home, where you can provide the assistance they need – and be certain of their safety.

The role of family caregiver, while often deeply rewarding, isn’t easy. For many, the responsibilities are made more difficult by offering your loving care while you simultaneously tend to family needs – and possibly complicated further by having another job outside the home. Fortunately, there’s a way to provide your parent or other aging loved one the care they deserve while giving yourself the break you occasionally need – respite care. Let’s talk about caregiver burnout, warning signs to watch for and the ways respite care can help you and your family.

Caregiver Burnout Is Real: Here’s What You Need to Know

Anyone who regularly fulfills the responsibilities of caring for a loved one – even short term – has felt some kind of caregiver burnout. Frustrated, exhausted, overwhelmed – these are common feelings, and full-time, professional caregivers will tell you they occasionally deal with the same feelings. Unlike professionals who can go home at the end of the day, you can’t escape. Your caregiver job also includes all your other adult responsibilities, possibly including raising a family, managing a household, meeting financial obligations and working a full-time job. No wonder you’re tired!

When is it caregiver burnout? Watch for these warning signs:

• Exhaustion. It sounds obvious, but many convince themselves to simply push through their exhaustion out of a sense of obligation. But that’s not sustainable, and sacrificing your sleep schedule and self-care for your loved one can be dangerous and counterproductive.
• Illness. Stress and lack of sleep can take a serious toll on your health and increase the odds of getting sick. That’s bad enough, but then consider how your sickness can get your loved one sick too.
• Sadness and worry. Your emotional and mental health matters. If you don’t have the time to relax and unwind, you won’t have time for happiness either. Your loved one will notice how you’re feeling and may suddenly try to reverse the caretaker role. Remember, your loved one loves you too.
• Isolation and self-doubt. You have the right to live your life. Feelings of guilt often experienced by caregivers originate within a self-deception – that when you’re not giving your all to your loved one, you believe you’re shirking your obligation. This isn’t true. You need – and deserve – time for your own life.

Fortunately, easing the strain of caregiver burnout isn’t particularly difficult, often beginning with your resolve. You can reset your schedule to include the time you need to sleep, exercise and take breaks. You can negotiate with siblings, cousins, spouse, family friends or another loved one to share caregiving responsibilities. And you can look to the support of respite care.

 

Give Yourself a Breather with Respite Care

Respite care – also commonly known as short-stay elder care or adult day care – gives you the latitude to do the things you want and need to do. Whether you’re heading for jury duty or going on vacation, you can rely on respite care to provide the qualified, compassionate support that your loved one needs.

How does it work? Simply contact a senior living community that offers respite care or adult day care, give them your information and set a time to have a personal consultation. These days, you can expect a health pre-screening to ensure the safety of current residents. A pre-screening will also give the respite care community a clear assessment of your loved one’s unique care needs. Typically, respite care serves seniors whose needs are consistent with the needs served in long-term assisted living or memory care – but respite offerings can vary widely.

Respite care is available whenever you need to take a break. It gives the whole family real peace of mind – but the perks of respite care aren’t just enjoyed by the senior’s family members. When an older adult enters a respite care center, many will greatly benefit from the chance to rest and recuperate, take advantage of amenities that enhance daily life, and befriend other residents and staff members.

Lamar Court Respite Care Is Good for You and Your Loved One

Are you a caregiver who’s feeling exhausted, overwhelmed or frustrated? Respite care is here to help. At Lamar Court Assisted Living Community, you’ll find a supportive, comforting, welcoming environment that will ensure your loved one feels at ease. Plus, with the respected assisted living we provide, you and your family can be confident of our reliable, resident-centered care and 24/7 staff.

For more information about Lamar Court in Overland Park, KS, call 913-906-9696 today.