Respite care is elder care that benefits older people as well as their families. Unlike transitional care, which helps a senior recover at home after being in the hospital or having surgery, respite care aims to provide temporary relief for family caregivers who are assisting the senior with their healthcare needs at home.
While many families want to shoulder caring for a loved one who is struggling with chronic illness and aging, including caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, it can become physically and emotionally exhausting as the patient’s needs progress. It’s OK to seek help, and home care may be a good option to consider, especially during the holiday season.
In one poll, 65% of family caregiver respondents said that they struggle with emotional and physical fatigue, work-caregiving balance, time for themselves, and balancing time with family and friends. When you consider the added tasks of celebrating holidays – like cooking, shopping, social events and decorating – it’s easy to see how caregivers with a full plate would feel overwhelmed.
Family Caregivers at Risk of Health Problems Themselves
With the wave of aging Baby Boomers wanting to “age in place” at home, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that millions of adults are relying on unpaid caregivers to maintain their independence. In lieu of options like assisted living or 24-hour care, family and friends often step forward to help with at least one critical activity of daily living, including personal care like getting dressed or bathing. They also often provide household help like transportation or managing finances.
The demands of caregiving can take a toll. A CDC study found that about 1 in 8 unpaid caregivers aged 45 or older experience worsening confusion or memory loss. They also often have at least one chronic health condition happening at the same time. Not only are they at risk of needing care themselves, but memory loss can affect the quality of their caregiving, which requires clear thinking.
Signs of Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver burnout is common as family members try to both care for the loved one and take care of their own needs. Caregivers may be so focused on their loved one that these signs of stress and burnout appear:
- Feeling tired, overwhelmed or constantly worried.
- Getting too much or not enough sleep.
- Gaining or losing weight.
- Becoming easily irritated, angry or sad.
- Losing interest in favorite activities.
- Having frequent headaches, body aches or other physical symptoms.
- Abusing alcohol or other substances.
Many people do not identify themselves as caregivers, even if they regularly do errands, grocery shopping, wound care, prescription management, cooking, cleaning and personal care for a loved one. Yet those who take on these tasks deserve support and acknowledgment for the demanding work they’re doing.
In-Home Support for Respite Care
Respite care can benefit any family caregiver, whether they’re helping a loved one after hospitalization or surgery, or they’re caring for a parent with a dementia diagnosis and other chronic illnesses. If you recognize the need to find a qualified caregiver in the Atlanta area to provide respite care, Kadan Homecare offers:
- Help with light housekeeping, preparing nutritious meals and running errands.
- Assistance with Activities of Daily Living, including bathing, meals and getting dressed.
- Companion care services, which can relieve a senior’s loneliness and reduce pressure on the caregiver to meet those needs.
- Transportation to medical appointments and other commitments.
- Home medical care, including monitoring vital signs, medication oversight, help using devices and equipment and assistance with physical therapy exercises.
If you’re looking for home care help in Atlanta, Kadan Homecare would be pleased to create a personalized care plan for your family that improves the quality of life for your loved one and alleviates stress on family caregivers. Contact us for a complimentary in-home evaluation at 770-396-8997.
