Family caregivers need breaks, even if they only take a few hours each week or a couple of days off during the month. Time away from their caregiving duties is crucial to their health as well as their relationships with their senior parents. Continue reading to learn why respite care is important and how you and your aging loved one can benefit from the service.
Provides Flexibility
Developing a consistent schedule is essential for family caregivers, but emergencies come up, and you may need someone to step in during these situations. Respite care is an option that gives your family more flexibility, and it allows you all to take on more responsibility with your non-caregiving commitments. You can contact a local respite care agency to see how much notice is needed when it comes to hiring a caregiver and keep this agency in mind when you need to go out of town on work-related trips or when other family caregivers need to take extended breaks.
One of the most challenging tasks of helping an elderly relative age in place safely and comfortably is researching agencies that provide elder care. Turn to Lifestar Home Care for reliable, high-quality in-home care for aging adults. We offer 24-hour care for seniors who require extensive assistance, and we also offer respite care for family caregivers who need a break from their caregiving duties.
Offers More Interaction for Seniors
Sitting at home with their family caregivers can lead to boredom for aging adults, but respite care provides more varied interaction. Seniors have the ability to enjoy new activities with their caregivers, which gives them something to look forward to. Respite caregivers also promote socialization, increasing the odds of seniors having new experiences with like-minded individuals. It’s good to change your loved one’s social routine from time to time to prevent depression.
For families living in Oklahoma City, respite care can be a wonderful solution when their aging loved ones need companionship and socialization a few hours a week or just need minor assistance with daily household tasks. At Lifestar Home Care, we thrive on helping seniors maintain their independence while living in the comfort of home.
Helps Seniors & Caregivers Maintain Their Identities
You can choose in-home respite care, which allows your parent to stay at home surrounded by familiar objects and people. Your loved one can maintain his or her identity while aging in place, and you can spend the time off working on your personal goals, going on outings with people your age, and practicing self-care.
Maintaining your own identity is important because it could lower your risk of mental, emotional, and physical exhaustion. The temporary separation respite care provides you and your loved one is good for your relationship. It allows you both to maintain your identities instead of feeling resentful about what you’ve given up.
Fosters Supportive Environments
Although aging cannot be stopped, cognitive health can be increased. Living in a safe and supportive environment is crucial to graceful aging, and respite care can help seniors prevent many age-related conditions. With respite care, your loved one will have support from you and other family members as well as a respite caregiver. The caregiver will come into the home and remain attentive to your loved one’s care needs, helping him or her feel more at ease instead of worrying about being alone. As a result, your parent can continue living an independent lifestyle in the comfort of home.
There are a variety of age-related health conditions that can make it more challenging for seniors to live independently. However, many of the challenges they face can be easier to manage if their families opt for professional home care. Oklahoma City families can rely on expertly trained caregivers to keep their loved ones safe and comfortable while aging in place. Lifestar Home Care will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today to learn more about our customized care plans.