In spite of being tremendously rewarding and fulfilling, providing care for an elderly loved one also entails a multitude of challenges that can produce serious health hazards for family caregivers. And though it’s very common for family members to put their own needs on the back burner to place the emphasis completely on the needs of their loved one, it’s essential for caregivers to realize that they can actually provide better care when they are well rested and in good health themselves.
Carving out time for self-care can be a struggle as well. After all, your senior loved one relies on you, and you have come to understand all of the little intricacies that help each day run efficiently – how she likes her coffee prepared, her hair fixed, the specifics of her afternoon routine. It’s more efficient sometimes to just manage everything yourself than to entrust anybody else with it all. Yet realistically, we all need a helping hand now and then, and this is particularly true for caregivers, who are susceptible to the increased stress that can contribute to caregiver burnout.
At Grace Home Care, our dedicated caregivers in Topeka hear from family members all the time who are hesitant to accept assistance, but are in dire need of a trusted partner in care. If this describes you, consider the benefits of professional respite care – both to yourself and to your senior loved one.
Respite Care Benefits for Caregivers
Skilled respite caregivers, like those at Grace Home Care, are fully trained and experienced in a wide range of senior care needs, including specialized care for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other chronic conditions. Our caregivers never come in and “take over,” but devote time to listen and become acquainted with each senior in order to provide highly customized care to meet each person’s specific needs.
As a result, family members have the opportunity to relax and renew themselves with enjoyable activities and interests, exercise, time spent with friends, errand-running and tending to their own needs, all while having the assurance that their senior loved one is receiving the very best of care.
Respite Care Benefits for Seniors
And the benefits aren’t just for the caregiver herself! Older adults gain the opportunity for enhanced socialization as they spend time with a new companion with whom they can share life stories, participate in fun activities, play games and cards, learn a new skill, go out shopping or to lunch – the options are unlimited. Respite caregivers can also plan and prepare meals, help with housecleaning and laundry, and assist with personal care needs like bathing and grooming – tasks that are sometimes more comfortable for seniors when carried out by a professional caregiver.
The senior is given a twofold gift: a more relaxed family caregiver, and relief in knowing that the caregiver is taking care of herself – something that is important to many seniors who may struggle with feelings of guilt about their need for care.
If you are looking for professional caregivers in Topeka who can assist your senior loved one, contact Grace Home Care any time at 785.286.CARE. We’re on hand for as much or as little respite care assistance as needed – both for your senior loved one, and yourself.