Should You and Your Loved One Consider a Respite Care Program?

If you are responsible for providing most of the caregiving for an older adult, family member, elderly parent, or loved one, you may want to consider taking advantage of available respite care services. Respite care is short-term, temporary relief to those who are caring for family or loved ones at home, whose relatives would otherwise require treatment at a facility elsewhere. Without respite care, elderly or sick individuals would live in institutions or health care facilities.

Though families appreciate being able to keep their family members or loved ones in the comfort of home, the physical, mental, emotional, and financial burden they carry can often be overwhelming without respite or support. If you are feeling exhausted facing the challenges of caregiving duties, a Respite Care Program may offer much needed temporary relief. Without valuable respite care programs, caregiving family members may suffer emotionally and financially as they face health problems, social issues, and stress associated with continual caregiving.

Respite-Care Programs:

Sustain family caregiver health and well being
Allow family members and loved ones to remain at home
Reduce the likelihood of abuse and neglect

If you or someone you know is facing the challenge of caring for a loved one alone, Respite-Care Services can offer a break, stress relief, and balance to your life. Providing care everyday for family or friends may be difficult, but there are Respite-Care Service options and care strategies you may not be aware of. It is good to consider all options to provide the best care for your loved ones and yourself.

Analyze your needs and the needs of your loved ones.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 figure out what further steps to take. Once you assess the type, frequency, and location of your needs, discover what a Respite-Care Program can do for you and your loved one. Anticipating regular relief from Respite Care Services can be lifesaving; share the responsibility of caregiving with another individual and get help and support for yourself.

Erica Ronchetti is a freelance writer for Visitng Angels, the nation's leading, network of non-medical, private duty home care agencies providing senior care, elder care, personal care, visitingangels.com/about.asp respite care and companion care to help the elderly and adults continue to live in their homes across America.Visit the Visiting Angels website to find out more information on visitingangels.com/about.asp Respite Care Programs.