In a matter of moments, you could become one of the 29% of Americans who provide care to ill, disabled or aging parents. While there’s no doubt you care deeply for your loved one, being a caregiver is hard. It is a sacrifice of time and resources that impacts your personal wellbeing and work performance, which is why knowing the benefits of respite care will certainly be to your benefit.
Having a support system during this time can make a world of difference. If you aren’t comfortable giving complete caregiving responsibilities to a professional caregiver or nursing home, respite care is a great option. This service offers temporary relief by providing an experienced caregiver to attend to your loved ones, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your life. Understanding the benefits of respite care can help you determine if this service is a good match for you and your family.
Challenges Faced by Caregivers
Taking on the role of caregiver for a loved one is no easy task. Depending on the health challenge they are facing, you may experience one or more of the following challenges:
- Social Isolation: According to the Caregiver Action Network, the average family caregiver spends anywhere between 25 to 40 or more hours per week assisting a loved one. As you dedicate more time to caring for a sick or recovering family member, you have less time to connect with others in your social circle.
- Emotional Stress: The demands of caregiving are known to significantly impact a person’s emotional well-being. It can lead to feelings of hopelessness, depression or even frustration and anger.
- Decrease in Physical Health: Caregivers often neglect their own health needs to care for their loved one. This can exacerbate current health issues or create new ones.
- Financial Burden: The financial responsibility of caring for a loved one adds up over time. Whether it’s caring for an aging parent or a recovering sibling, voluntary family aid is estimated to be worth $375 billion annually.
How to Avoid Caregiver Stress
Fatigue, emotional stress and financial strain do not have to be a part of your caregiving experience. Respite care is a valuable and affordable resource that reduces the challenges caregivers often face. With the right resources, caregiving can be a life-changing experience for you and your family.
Some of the benefits of respite care include:
- Increased Time: Respite care gives you time back. You can focus on your daily commitments without worrying that your loved one will miss out on the care they need. Respite caregivers assist with a range of tasks, including companionship, meal preparation and medication reminders.
- Decreased Stress: Respite care not only saves time, but it can also save your family dynamic. 98 percent of family caregivers said services like respite care increased their ability to provide a less stressful environment at home, according to the Oklahoma Respite Resource Network.
- Improved Health: Respite care also helps you maintain your health by giving you more time to rest. Even if it’s just four hours per week, 64 percent of family caregivers reported improved physical health while 78 percent claimed better emotional health as a result of respite care.
The Importance of Respite Care
For your older adult or sibling to recover well, their caregiver needs to be at their best. Respite care allows you to take care of yourself without feeling guilty. Your loved one receives quality care, and you can return to your caregiving duties feeling refreshed and re-energized.
At FirstLight, we do more. Our compassionate caregivers are dedicated to helping your family maximize the benefits of respite care. Whether you need respite care for the elderly or an ill loved one, FirstLight Home Care ensures your family receives quality respite care services at all times.
Ready to change your caregiving experience for the better? Find a location near you to get started.