Caring for a loved one is an honor, but it isn’t always easy. The moments you share and the memories you make together can provide you comfort during the hard days. However, sometimes life throws you a curveball, or you simply need a break. If you’re facing a season of life where you’re unable to take care of your loved one, it doesn’t mean you have to permanently place him or her in an assisted living facility. Thanks to respite care, you can rest easy knowing your loved one is being properly cared for while you are away. What is respite care? It is a service that many assisted living facilities provide. Respite care is temporary care for seniors who need help with day-to-day living activities.
What Is Respite Care?
Respite Care Provides Relief for Caregivers
On average, family caregivers spend 20 hours a week taking care of their loved one (source). This is the equivalent of a part-time job, which is typically pretty manageable if you aren’t working full time or you aren’t experiencing a stressful time in life. However, if you are expecting a baby, preparing for a move, or starting a new job, chances are those extra 20 hours a week can wear on your mental and physical health. If you need to focus on other aspects of your life for a few days or even a few months, respite care might be a good option for you and your family.
As a caregiver, it is important to focus on your own needs as well. After all, you can’t provide your relative or friend with quality care if you aren’t feeling your best. If you need to take a few days off from the high demands of caregiving, there isn’t any shame in taking a vacation and seeking help from a respite care facility. In most situations, your loved one will understand.
Respite Care Benefits Residents
Respite care doesn’t just help caregivers; it also allows your family member or friend to ease into assisted living and determine whether or not it is for them. Most assisted living facilities offer residents activities and opportunities to socialize with other seniors. Your loved one might just leave his or her stay with a new set of friends.
The level of care and supervision will depend on the resident’s needs. For example, a senior with dementia will require more aid and supervision than most other seniors. Staff members can also help your loved one with daily activities, like bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medications. They can also encourage your loved one to exercise, and most facilities provide housekeeping as well.
Before you move your loved one into an assisted living facility for respite care, make sure to communicate with the facility nurses and employees about the level of care your loved one will require. Many respite care facilities have case managers who will help communicate with your loved one’s doctors and bring the facilities’ employees up to speed on the care plan.
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Are you looking for respite care near Riverview, Florida? The Crossings at Riverview provides peace of mind for families and their loved ones by offering short-term and long-term respite stays. We invite you to tour our community, meet our friendly staff, and see our amenities first hand. Overlooking the Alafia River on twelve beautiful acres, the Crossings at Riverview offers a relaxing atmosphere, and our talented team is committed to cultivating a welcoming and vibrant community. Our goal is to make our community feel like home for all of our residents. To schedule a tour, call 813-671-0222 or contact us online. We look forward to meeting you!