November 12, 2021
If you are a caregiver to a sick or disabled child or a sick or aging parent, then you know that finding time to take care of yourself, your family, or your relationship can be difficult. Respite care is essential for a caregiver’s own health and allows them to recharge so that they can continue to provide much-needed care to their loved one.
What is Respite Care?
Respite care is a short-term break from the duties of caregiving. During this time, someone else cares for your loved one. Respite care can be just for a few hours, a few days, or even a few weeks. Respite care can take place in your home, at a daycare center, or at a facility that offers overnight stays.
Types of Respite Care
Respite care can take place in different settings and is flexible, so caregivers have many options to choose from.
Respite care options for sick or disabled children:
- Overnight care with a licensed caregiver or nurse
- Day center programs
- Summer camp
- Personal care assistance in the patient’s home with a trained and licensed nurse or caregiver (this can be for one daily task, such as bathing, or a certain part of the day)
Respite care options for sick or aging adults:
- Adult day centers or programs
- Personal care assistance in the patient’s home with a trained and licensed nurse or caregiver (this can be for one daily task, such as bathing, or a certain part of the day)
- Respite care facilities (some assisted living facilities offer short-term stays for respite care. This may be a good option for a caregiver who would like to take a few weeks off.)
What Are the Benefits of Respite Care?
Caring for a loved one is often a full-time job, and can often feel frustrating and, isolating. Respite care offers many benefits to caregivers and the person receiving care, including:
- Reducing stress for the caregiver and their family
- Helping the caregiver to avoid burnout, find stress relief, and avoid feelings of burden
- Giving the caregiver valuable time to interact with their significant other, friends, and other family members, and therefore preventing caregiver isolation
- Improving the relationship between the caregiver and the person receiving care
- Allowing the person receiving care to interact and socialize with different people
Respite care does not require you to plan an elaborate trip or to spend a lot of money. You don’t have to leave your house to find respite. Consider asking someone to come to your house to be with your child or loved one while you:
- Take a relaxing bath
- Exercise
- Read a book
In-Home Nurse or Caregiver
If you’re a caregiver and feel isolated, exhausted, or frustrated, consider organizing respite care. When searching for respite care options, you’ll want to look for a licensed caregiver that is thoroughly trained to provide compassionate care. If your loved one requires medical care, then you’ll want to hire a licensed nurse.
At JSP Home Care Services our licensed caregivers and nurses are trained to provide compassionate care at home. To learn more about respite care and how we can help you, contact us online or call us at 866.860.2528.
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