5 Questions to Ask Before Starting Respite Care
If you’re providing care for an elderly loved one, you know what it feels like to be on call 24/7.
While families appreciate keeping their loved one in the comfort of his or her own home, it can lead to an emotional, physical and financial burden if you don’t have the proper support structures in place.
That can make it too easy to neglect your own health, feeling the anxiety and stress build as you juggle your personal and professional life and your loved one’s evolving needs.
You may feel like you can never take a break.
That’s why it’s important for you to know about professional respite care.
Respite care is short-term, temporary relief that helps your loved one stay at home comfortably and safely.
Why Consider Respite Care
A professional respite care program may offer much needed temporary stress relief to you while maintaining the highest level of care for your loved one.
When you hire a professional caregiver, the professional visits your loved one in his or her own home and on the schedule that your loved one prefers.
A care team will create a customized care plan based on you and your loved one’s needs. The caregiver can then help with the basic activities of daily living and even grocery shop or assist with meal preparation.
Respite care can offer a break, stress relief and also does the following:
- Helps your loved one remain at home while comfortable, happy and safe
- Gives your loved one the opportunity to make a new friend or participate in activities
- Protects your own mental and physical health
- Offers you time to relax, run errands or schedule your appointments
- Provides you peace of mind
- Reduces the likelihood of abuse and neglect
5 Questions to Ask Before Starting Respite Care
Analyze your needs and the needs of your loved one.
Figure out which area you need help most:
- Have I allotted enough free time for myself?
- Does my loved one need help with walking, eating or other basic tasks?
- Does my loved one need help taking daily medication?
- Is my loved one getting a proper amount of exercise?
- Is my loved one getting enough mental stimulation?
These questions will help you begin determining what kind of care your loved one needs most and how much care is needed.
Regular relief from a professional respite caregiver can be lifesaving, by adding a layer to your loved one’s support team as well as your own.
See another important benefit of respite care in “Move From Caregiver to Daughter With Respite Care.”