Across the board, caregivers can be some of the most compassionate and thoughtful people you’ll meet. Freely giving up their time and energy, these people help their loved ones with their medical, emotional, and social needs.
But given that this job comes with no pay and high stress, it begs the question, “Who cares for the caregivers?” According to the CDC, over half of all caregivers report health issues from caregiving. These issues can impact their ability to provide care.
That’s where respite care services come in. With help from a professional, caregivers can get a little more free time—and many more advantages as well. Here are four key benefits of respite care.
1. Caregivers Get a Well-Deserved Break
Caring for someone in need of full-time support can be exhausting. After extended periods without taking time for themselves, many caregivers find themselves suffering from physical and emotional fatigue.
A respite caregiver can offer you a little time for a much-needed break during the day, allowing an opportunity to relax. This can mean anything from a few hours to engage in self-care or even a mini-vacation from caregiving that allows you to do more of the things you love.
2. Respite Care Relieves Tension
It’s not uncommon, whether most caregivers admit it or not, to feel some degree of resentment toward the person you are caring for—especially if you sacrifice a great deal to help them maintain their health. This feeling is normal, but spending time with the person you care for without a break can lead to mounting tension and frustration. Respite care can be a great way to clean the slate and return to care with a fresh attitude.
3. Caregivers Get Peace of Mind
For some caregivers, the fact of being “on call” at all times can be stressful. Depending on the needs of the person they care for, it can be difficult to keep your mind from staying on constant alert. Worse, some caregivers worry that they aren’t caring for their loved one to the fullest.
With the help of respite care services, you can trust that your loved one will receive expert care at all times. A professional can even assist you in identifying better care techniques and offer expert advice as needed, so talk to your respite caregiver to see how they can help.
4. Caregivers Can Cultivate Other Relationships
When caregivers focus fully on caring for their loved ones, it can make it hard to maintain strong relationships with other family members and friends. Social isolation is common for caregivers, who sometimes feel they must neglect other relationships as they struggle to divide their time and attention.
A respite caregiver offers an opportunity for caregivers to make time for their other social activities, whether this means socializing with friends or scheduling an outing with a family member.
Make the Most of the Benefits of Respite Care
No caregiver can provide adequate care in a vacuum. When you feel like you’re struggling to manage your own needs and those of your loved one, there’s no shame in getting the help you deserve. Start looking into options for care centers in your area today, and take advantage of the benefits of respite care.
Want more of the home and health tips you need to know? Check out our other guides for more insights.