Taking breaks can sound like a luxury to family caregivers who often work around the clock to take care of their senior loved ones’ needs. However, breaks are far from merely optional ways to spend a few hours. Instead, breaks serve these important purposes that benefit everyone involved.
1. Take Care of Their Own Physical Health
A family caregiver who gets a break often does something he or she has been needing to do for a while. Whether you schedule a dental checkup or go for a medical appointment to address your aching back, time off is critical for your physical health. Caregivers who get a chance to enhance their physical wellbeing are more likely to be able to help their loved ones for a longer time.
2. Learn New Strategies for Caregiving
The roles you play can quickly change if your loved one develops a new health condition or disability. You can use a break to research how you can help your loved one. You can also go to a support group meeting to enhance your skills as a caregiver.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of information and support for family members caring for aging loved ones. When researching agencies that provide in-home care, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance.
3. Get a Chance to Handle Other Responsibilities
Today’s family caregivers are often sandwiched between two generations. They may be taking care of aging parents at the same time they’re raising children and managing careers. Break times are great opportunities to catch up on the things you can’t do when looking after your loved one. Just getting a chore or assignment done can be a huge relief for someone who’s already overwhelmed by trying to keep up with everything.
4. Prevent & Address Mental Health Issues
Respite time helps caregivers find effective ways to manage stress. Without breaks, you’re susceptible to becoming so stressed out by your duties that you could experience burnout. Losing your sense of joy affects how you manage your duties, and your loved one may pick up on the fact that you’re depressed or anxious. Taking the opportunity to do something relaxing can prevent mental health issues from developing. People with diagnosed mental health issues may be better able to control their symptoms when they get breaks.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Tucson families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Home Care Assistance. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation.
5. Give Everyone Some Personal Space
Spending too much time together can lead to conflicts that upset the delicate balance in a caregiver/senior relationship. Seniors tend to enjoy having a chance to spend time with respite caregivers while their primary caregivers do other things. Family caregivers find they get along better with their loved ones when they have breaks that help them let go of resentment and other negative emotions. The extended family also benefits when the main caregiver has someone who can help so he or she doesn’t have issues with scheduling conflicts.
Seniors can face a variety of age-related challenges. Though some families choose to take on the caregiving duties, there may come a time when they need a trusted Tucson home care service provider. Families sometimes need respite from their duties so they can focus on their other responsibilities, and some seniors need around-the-clock assistance that their families are not able to provide. Home Care Assistance is here to help. To hire a dedicated caregiver, call (520) 276-6555 today.