Every year, millions of Americans take part in caregiving for their elderly parents. Some people do so by helping their loved ones transition to a senior living facility. Others serve as primary caregivers themselves. Providing ongoing care for an elderly loved one can be taxing. Every now and then, you need to take a break to rest and recharge yourself physically and emotionally. One way to do this is by participating in organized senior respite care. A few telltale signs may help determine when respite care makes sense.
To learn more about senior respite care, contact Parkway Place at 281.305.1846 today. We can help you recharge so you can continue to provide the best care for your loved one.
What Is a Senior Respite Care Program?
Respite care is designed for people who serve as primary caregivers for their loved ones. In many cases, that loved one is an elderly parent. It can also be a disabled family member or a family member with a serious illness.
Caregiving can be highly rewarding. However, it can also potentially overwhelm your ability to cope with everyday stress. It can have a similar impact on your available time and physical stamina.
Senior respite care gives you an opportunity to take a break from your caregiving routine. The length of this break varies from situation to situation. Some caregivers need just a few hours to recharge. However, others may need days or even longer. Some respite programs provide in-home services. Other programs provide services for your loved one in their own facilities.
When to Use Respite Care – What Are the Signs You Might Need a Break?
The question of when to use respite care has no single answer. That’s true, in part, because every caregiver has their own threshold for coping with their responsibilities. Still, there are some common signs that may indicate that it’s time to take a break. These signs include:
- Overworking to the point of illness or injury
- Losing patience while performing your daily tasks
- Becoming increasingly irritable
- Losing your motivation for caregiving
- Feeling like you have no social life
- Forgetting important responsibilities or events outside of caregiving
- Making more mistakes than you normally would
- Frequently feeling depressed
You may or may not notice when you need a senior respite care program. Some people don’t realize they need help until someone else intervenes.
What Are the Benefits of Respite Care Services for Seniors?
You can benefit from senior respite care in many different ways. Some of the most common benefits include things such as:
- Getting the chance to restore your physical and mental well-being
- Having enough time to renew your social connections
- Rediscovering your own sense of self and purpose
- Knowing that your loved one is in good hands while you take your break
Your loved one can also benefit from your use of respite care. Many seniors enjoy the opportunity to meet new people while their caregivers take a rest. They may also relish the chance for a change of pace in their daily routine. In addition, your loved one can get a better idea of how senior living facilities operate.
Find Out More About When to Use Respite Care at Parkway Place
Have more questions on when to use respite care services? Talk to the senior living specialists at Parkway Place. We’re standing by with the information you need. We’re also happy to provide more details on the specific services available to you and your loved one.
Parkway Place features respite care services for seniors. We provide temporary housing for your loved one at our comfortable, fully-staffed facility. During their stay, they’ll enjoy all the perks of high-quality senior living. To learn more about our respite care program, call us today at 281.305.1846 or complete our brief online form.