Serving as the primary caregiver for a loved one can be demanding and can take a toll on a person. Statistics show that more than half of caregivers experience a decline in their health, impacting themselves and their caregiving abilities.[1] This is why caregivers need to take advantage of respite care options. As we explore what respite care entails and its benefits, we’ll also examine how Encore Communities helps caregivers at various facilities.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care provides caregivers some time off from their caregiving duties.[1] It allows caregivers to focus on themselves for a time rather than putting all their energy into caring for a loved one. Research shows that just a couple of hours a week can improve a caregiver’s well-being, which emphasizes the importance of respite care.[2]
Respite Care Options Available for Caregivers
Friends, family, and special agencies can provide the vital respite care caregivers need.
In-home Respite Care
Some caregivers may choose to have in-home respite care by allowing a friend, family member, or healthcare professional to come into the home to take care of their loved one. This can be for a few hours a week so that a caregiver can go to the gym, run errands, or spend time alone. It can also be longer if a caregiver has to go out of town. This type of respite care allows loved ones to remain in the comfort of their homes while still receiving the care they need.
Out-of-Home Respite Care
There are also respite care options available outside the home. Adult daycare centers and residential options can provide respite care for caregivers while ensuring their loved ones are well taken care of in their absence. When out-of-home respite care is chosen, it’s usually best to do a trial run before the service is needed. This will allow patients to see if they are comfortable in the environment before their caregiver needs to leave.
Benefits of Respite Care
Respite care has many benefits for caregivers, including:
Stress Relief
Taking care of a loved one each day can become stressful, especially as their health deteriorates. Having some time away can allow caregivers to prevent stress from building up so that they can remain healthy.
Guilt-Free Time Away
Caregivers often feel guilty about leaving their loved ones to do something for themselves. They worry that their loved one won’t get the care they need. Choosing a high-quality respite care program can alleviate those worries so caregivers can enjoy their time away.
Provide a Life Balance
Caregivers often find it challenging to balance caring for a loved one and taking care of their responsibilities. They usually feel as though they don’t have time for themselves. Respite care allows caregivers to carve that time away to create a better life balance.
Maintain Social Relationships
When caregivers spend all their time caring for a loved one, they may neglect their social relationships. This can lead to isolation and depression. Caregivers must maintain friendships and have a life outside of caring for a loved one. Respite care provides them with this crucial time.
Respite care is not only positive for caregivers but also for patients. When placed in an outside-of-the-home respite program, patients can socialize with others. They can often begin to feel isolated when they are always home. Being out and talking with others is good for them and can help their overall well-being.
Respite Care at Encore Communities
Encore Communities offers respite care to give caregivers the rest they need. We provide a “home away from home” that is a safe and comfortable option for patients when their loved ones are away or have other commitments.
Our respite care program takes over the caregiver’s responsibilities for a day, weeks, or even months. This includes bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, medication management, and much more. Respite care is conveniently available at three locations: The Ridge, Laurel Cove Community, and Regent Court.
Contact Encore Communities to learn more about our respite care options and to schedule a tour of our facilities.https://encorecommunities.com/laurel-cove-community
Sources:
[1] https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/caring-for-yourself.html
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1064748114000475
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.
