Take a break: the importance of respite care to caregivers

Caregivers are the personification of love. Pure and simple. They voluntarily make sacrifices of their time, their energy and their finances to care for loved ones when they need it the most. There are a multitude of specific motivations for the 44 million Americans who are caregivers but they all center on a sense of duty and obligation to loved ones.

While the heart of the caregiver is a courageous and kind, the path of the caregiver is a difficult. Caregiving is often 24 hour a day, seven day a week job that is thankless, at times, and exceedingly difficult. This is especially true if you are caring for someone whose condition is deteriorating. Even if your loved one’s condition is stable, the daily ups and downs of being caregiver can cause a significant physical and mental toll on you. Part of the problem is the act of being a caregiver itself. However, a significant part of the problem also lies in the attitude of the caregiver. Caregivers are often undone by their giving nature and rarely allow themselves to take breaks or pay close attention to their own health.

Studies estimate that nearly half of all caregivers are clinically depressed. Many caregivers complain of having poor diets, a lack of sleep and a tendency to delay medical appointments. Caregivers are at an increased risk for alcoholism and drug use. Caregivers also may harbor feelings of resentment towards their loved ones. Literally, the feeling of love and commitment that led to you becoming a caregiver can greatly erode your relationship, if you don’t get help.

Caregivers need a break, but often times, they feel there is a lack of viable options. This is where respite care can help. Respite care is temporary care given to loved ones that provides relief to the primary caregiver. This a great choice for weary caregivers for whom putting loved ones in long-term care is not an option. Respite care options include:

• Bringing in a home healthcare professional to handle your duties for a short period of time
• Having loved ones take residence in an assisted living facility for a short period of time
• Having a home health aide or home health companion assist with specific duties

Respite care gives caregivers the time to go to doctor’s appointments, go shopping, attend church, or take a well-earned vacation. Essentially, respite care gives you a chance to breathe. It can help you recharge your batteries so that you can be a better caregiver for your loved one.

Does respite care sound like the break you so desperately need? AstraCare provides respite services through our team skilled and certified Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN’s), Registered Nurses (RN’s), Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA’s) and Home Health Aides. To learn more about respite care with AstraCare, contact us or call us at (954)200-0902.