Providing home care for a senior loved one can sometimes become overwhelming, and you may need to take a break now and then to protect your own health. However, you may still need to secure assistance for your loved one for the times you’re not around. Here are some ways to accomplish this and reduce your risk of burning out.
1. Notify the Person You Care For
Change can be uncomfortable, and it can be difficult to get away for a break if the person you’re caring for reacts negatively to a change in his or her care provider. Arrange specific and repeated break times to create a routine or tell your loved one in advance that you’ll be away on a certain day or at a specific time. If asked why, refer to the things you would like to accomplish rather than making it sound as though your loved one is a burden from which you need a break.
Family caregivers sometimes need a break from their caregiving responsibilities. Families who need help caring for senior loved ones can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care, a leading provider of home care. Services available in our customizable care plans include meal prep, mental and social stimulation, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, and much more.
2. Reach Out to Friends & Family
Many family caregivers overlook this seemingly simple solution for fear of being a burden. Ask friends, family, church members, or neighbors to help you when they can. If you ask for help, you’ll be surprised how often you get it. Even if these people can’t provide the specialized care your loved one may need, they can save you a lot of time by helping with tasks like grocery shopping, meal preparation, and laundry.
Professional caregivers can be a wonderful source of support for family members caring for aging loved ones. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional in-home care, Columbus Assisting Hands Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults manage their health and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
3. Find an Adult Care Center
Sometimes called adult day care, these facilities provide appropriate but stimulating activities and give your loved one a chance to socialize with other seniors while you get some rest. This service can allow you time to take a break.
4. Hire Respite Care
Respite caregivers are professionals who can take care of your loved one for you when you need some time to run errands or a few days off to enjoy a family vacation. They provide temporary care as needed and can be a huge help to tired family caregivers in need of a break. Your loved one’s doctor should be able to provide the names of reputable respite care providers.
Family caregivers need to care for their own wellbeing. If you’re caring for an aging loved one and are feeling overwhelmed, consider hiring a professional caregiver to provide respite care. Columbus families who want to prevent burnout can turn to Assisting Hands Home Care. One of our professional caregivers can assist your loved one at home while you take a nap, go to work, run errands, or go on vacation. To create a customized in-home care plan for your loved one, call us today.
