Family caregivers tend to experience challenges in caring for themselves while they’re in the midst of caring for others. They often spend a lot of time and energy caring for other people, but then run out of time and energy to do the same for their own needs. That’s why respite care is so very important, because it allows family caregivers to take care of themselves as well.
Get Past Feeling Selfish
The first problem that family caregivers run into is that caring for themselves or taking time away from caregiving duties feels like a selfish act. They made a commitment to care for a loved one and they take that commitment seriously. But the problem is that if they’re not paying some attention to their own needs, they’re not going to be able to keep caring for anyone else’s needs.
Care Quality Goes Up
When family caregivers finally do start to focus on their own care, they may be shocked to notice that the quality of care they’re able to offer goes up. That can be due to a variety of different factors like feeling better rested, having experienced home care providers around, or even just being able to think about something besides caregiving once in a while.
Family Caregivers Have Limits
It’s important for family caregivers to understand that they do have limits and trying to push themselves past those limits doesn’t do anyone any good. Respite care providers are able to take over for family caregivers, allowing them to recharge themselves and take the time away that they need to have. Sometimes family caregivers don’t even realize how thinly spread they truly are until they get a chance to take some time away.
Routines Work
Routines are helpful for seniors and for family caregivers because everyone knows what to expect. Setting aside a particular afternoon each week or even some time each day to have some time to themselves is great for family caregivers and the seniors they’re helping. Respite caregivers get to know seniors’ routines as well, so they can offer support that keeps those routines running smoothly.
Schedule Respite Time
If family caregivers are resisting the idea of taking time away, sometimes the best solution is to schedule respite time and let it happen. Respite care providers aren’t there to take over or to tell family caregivers what they’re doing wrong. They are there to offer support while family caregivers are away and make sure that seniors are safe and happy during that time. When family caregivers come back, it’s with a fresher take on everything.
While the idea of respite care can be a little unnerving for family caregivers at first, it really can offer them a chance to take better care of not only themselves, but the seniors in their lives. Taking time away is never selfish, especially when family caregivers are using that time to rest up and to return to caregiving with the same positive attitude they always want to have.
If you or an aging loved one are considering respite care in Sugar Land, TX for an aging loved one, please call the caring staff at At Your Side Home Care. We will answer all of your senior care questions. Call today: (832) 271-1600.
At Your Side Home Care, provides exceptional home care assistance for seniors and families in Houston, West Houston, Katy, Memorial, The Heights, Spring Valley, Garden Oaks, Hunters Creek, River Oaks, Hilshire Village, Galleria, Cinco Ranch, Spring Branch, Sugar Land, Missouri City, Richmond, Rosenburg, Piney Point, Bay City and surrounding areas.
Our Certified Nurse Aides, 24-Hour Live-in Assistants and Home Health Aides are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. We also provide the security and confidence of 24-hour Telephone Assistance, so fast, reliable help is always available when it's needed. To learn more about our homecare services see our homecare services page.
Different people need different levels of homecare. To meet the requirements of our clients, At Your Side Homecare maintains consistent staffing levels of caring professionals. Homecare service is available for as little as a few hours a week, or as many as 24 hours a day, seven days a week
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