When you are caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, it can become overwhelming, especially if you are the primary caregiver. This is why it’s essential to look for responsible caregivers who can give your loved one the attention they need when you may not be available or need a break. A day stay can often provide just the right amount of time off. As we look at several benefits of memory care respite and day stays, we’ll also tell you how Encore Communities can provide the respite care you and your loved ones need.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care relieves caregivers when they need to rest, travel, or take care of other responsibilities.[1] Additionally, respite care can last for a day or several weeks. It can take place at home or a healthcare facility.
Who are the Best Candidates for Respite Care?
Specifically, respite care is best for full-time caregivers who need a break to care for their needs or need time to rest. It is also suitable for seniors who want to socialize with their peers and may feel isolated. Both caregivers and seniors can benefit from respite care.
Benefits of Memory Care Respite & Day Stays
If you’ve never taken advantage of respite and day stays for your loved one, here are five reasons why you may want to consider it:
1. Guilt-Free Time for Caregivers
Primary caregivers often shy away from leaving their loved ones, fearing they won’t be cared for properly. When you leave your loved one in the hands of professionals who can help those with memory issues, you don’t have to feel guilty about taking some time away. Knowing they are in good hands can provide you with the comfort and relaxation you need.
2. Stress Relief
Taking care of a loved one with memory issues full-time can be highly stressful. This can lead to health issues for yourself. A 2020 National Alliance for Caregiving study found that 23% of Americans believed caregiving led to their health issues.[2] By taking some time away, you can focus on your self-care to help ease your stress and help you take care of your mental health.
3. Provide You & Your Loved One with Socialization Opportunities
While caring for your loved one at home can be beneficial, it can also be isolating for both of you. Many patients don’t get to see friends or meet new people. Memory care day stays can give patients the socialization opportunities they need. They can spend time with their peers who are sharing the same experiences.
Respite care also gives primary caregivers a chance to socialize. By spending so much time taking care of a loved one, you don’t have time to socialize yourself. Leaving your loved one in the hands of trusted professionals can also give you the necessary time to meet up with friends.
4. Have an Identity Besides Being a Caregiver
When you take on the role of primary caregiver, you have less time to do the hobbies and activities you used to enjoy. This can make you feel like you’ve lost some of your identity. Memory care respite can help to give you the time you need to do the things you love and find the person you used to be. Caregivers must maintain a sense of self to keep a healthy outlook.
5. Gives a Chance to Try Senior Living Options
Day stays can be especially beneficial if your loved one has never stayed with anyone. They allow patients to become familiar and comfortable in a new setting. This can be helpful if you need to travel and are looking for someone to help with extended care. As your loved one becomes comfortable for the day, you both can feel secure if the need arises for more comprehensive care.
Respite care can also provide the opportunity to evaluate a community if residential memory care is needed. It allows you and your loved one to test the waters and see if you are comfortable in a particular setting.
Memory Care Respite at Encore Communities
Encore Communities provides memory care day stay services and memory care respite to give caregivers the help and the rest they need. It also allows them to step out of the caregiver role for a time. Our experienced team can provide the memory care that patients with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease need. We can assist with bathing, dressing, and more. We provide caregivers with the peace of mind to take a break.
We provide comfortable and safe memory respite care at our Laurel Cove and Regent Court Communities and memory care day stays at The Ridge. Contact us today to learn more about our services and to schedule a tour.
Sources:
[1] https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/caregiving/what-respite-care
[2] https://www.caregiving.org/research/caregiving-in-the-us/
Dan is Vice President, Marketing of the Alumus family of companies. A Seattle native, he earned his BA in Humanities and Political Science at Evergreen State College. He started his career as a newspaper columnist, eventually transitioning into marketing and tech writing for Microsoft and several other startups. He later launched a successful creative agency focused on branding, digital marketing, and content production in Los Angeles, where he worked for several nursing and behavioral health clients, eventually becoming the National Marketing Director for one of them.
He has taught Vipassana mindfulness meditation and MBSR and spends whatever free time he has with his son snowboarding, hiking, and camping in the mountains.